Hypothyroidism and Diabetes

[Intrigue]

I would like to know if those of you experiencing hypothyroidism also have trouble keeping your bg's under control. I had my thyroid removed about six weeks ago due to a very large goiter. My ENT feels that's what finally pushed me over the edge into diabetes, as I had a huge sudden change in my eyesight about three weeks after the operation. My PCP told me Monday, when he announced I had diabetes, that hypothyroidism very significantly impacts diabetes and is saying perhaps that is impacting why we're having such trouble getting my bg's to remain under 400. Yes, I know it hasn't even been a week yet that I've been on insulin, but I am wondering whether those of us with hypo seem to have more bg problems than those without. Just curious.

Also for Corwin, my ENT's optimal TSH levels for clients are 0.2 to 5.0, with his recommendation being 1.0. I have a long way to go, as my TSH two weeks ago was 35. So between the fatigue caused by high TSH and the fatigue caused by high bg's, I'm a mess! ;)

I too have heard Armour (natural hormone) is so much better than synthetic hormone like Levoxyl, which I'm on (200mcg). There's a good site at:
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com. My ENT refuses to prescribe Armour, which may mean I need to seek an endo who does at some point.

Thanks for any input, gang....and have a great weekend!

[corwin]

Thanks for the info. I'm down to 7.3 so I still have a way to go, if it's not down below 6 next month, I'll probably up my dosage. Personally I didn't notice any relationship between my bg levels and my hypothyrodism, but I'm type 1 and I have a different cause for hypothyroid. Maybe others will be more helpfull on that one.

[Brenda A]

I would like to know if those of you experiencing hypothyroidism also have trouble keeping your bg's under control. I had my thyroid removed about six weeks ago due to a very large goiter. My ENT feels that's what finally pushed me over the edge into diabetes, as I had a huge sudden change in my eyesight about three weeks after the operation. My PCP told me Monday, when he announced I had diabetes, that hypothyroidism very significantly impacts diabetes and is saying perhaps that is impacting why we're having such trouble getting my bg's to remain under 400. Yes, I know it hasn't even been a week yet that I've been on insulin, but I am wondering whether those of us with hypo seem to have more bg problems than those without. Just curious.

Also for Corwin, my ENT's optimal TSH levels for clients are 0.2 to 5.0, with his recommendation being 1.0. I have a long way to go, as my TSH two weeks ago was 35. So between the fatigue caused by high TSH and the fatigue caused by high bg's, I'm a mess! ;)

I too have heard Armour (natural hormone) is so much better than synthetic hormone like Levoxyl, which I'm on (200mcg). There's a good site at:
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com. My ENT refuses to prescribe Armour, which may mean I need to seek an endo who does at some point.

Thanks for any input, gang....and have a great weekend!

My endo when I first went to her told me my BS could not get controled until the thyroid was stable. It all got better when the thyroid got better.

[seacomp]

Intrigue's case is different than most. Thyroid problems are very common as an additional, related problem with T1s; both are autoimmune issues. As a T2, Intrigue's thyroid problem is likely independant in origin to the diabetes, but they certainly do interact in their results.
Best of luck in getting your hormone balance back in sync.

[vegan4health]

Hypothyroidism is one of the primary non-lifestyle CAUSES of type 2 diabetes. Hypothyroidism is also one of the primary non-lifestyle causes of obesity. Unfortunately the blame-game doesn't recognize anything but "lifestyle" as the cause of Type 2 or of obesity.

Thyroid levels need to be balanced before BG's will level. Once all of that is level, THEN weight will come off. Until all of this is balanced, energy stays really low and as a result, weight increases.

For me, low thyroid was like chronic fatigue. I'd have:
--------
as my energy level where:
---------------------------------------------------------
is normal.
Exercise would take me from:
--------
to
----. And I'd have to sleep.

Now that my thyroid is better, thanks to becoming vegan my energy level is normal, exercise actually boosts my energy like it does in normal people. It doesn't drain the last bit of energy from me like it used to.

I wouldn't go to unregulated pig by-products for a thyroid solution...

[kiwi]

I am learning about thryoid disease as I was diagnosed with Hashimotos's disease earlier this year.
I found that my blood sugar levels were getting very difficult to control before my diagnosis was confirmed, despite diligent measuring and counting carbs. My energy levels were very low, skin dry, nails breaking so quickly and my hair was becoming very dry and falling out. (fortunately I have thick hair!).
I take a synthroid, which has been good so far.
Once my levels improved my control also improved. (My A1C had climbed, but has now returned to a much more acceptable number 4 1/2 months later). So I do think that hypothroidism does affect blood glucose control.
I have read that the type of medication depends on wether or not you are needing T3 or T4 (2 types of thyriod hormone replacements). Some people take both. I don't have the links to Thryiod websites, but there are some good ones. Perhaps another poster may have links.
Hope you are back to your usual self soon.

[Intrigue]

Thanks much for the information, all! Hypo and diabetes is definitely proving to be a "double whammy" to my body, to use my doctor's terminology. Frustrating as ****, but at least I'm not alone in this. Thanks again.