A1C and Thyroid Levels

[gettingby]

Ok, I've got a question and need to see if anyone has the answer.
What effect does the thyroid levels have on A1C levels?

[MinimedPumper07]

I want to know too. Last month I had an A1C test, but for some reason the stupid person that did the blood test or the lab or w/e didn't test for thyroid or any organs. I just got an a1c report, and since I have felt like **** the last month I really would like to know how my thyroid and other organs are doing :(

[babyblueyes]

hi well my aic's went high after a few months..at my appt my endo did a scan of my thyroid and well there it was a mass in all sides..yes it does effect more then your diabetes..fatigue.weight gain etc..your thyroid is the main function of the body.im on synthroid now and my aic went down alot..you might want to check that out:)

[gettingby]

I've been on thyroid meds for several years now (Levothyroxine).
My PCP would never give me the actual numbers of my thyroid levels but this last time they were checked, it was done by my endo.
Here are the results he sent me:
Free T4 was 0.69--------> endo says normal.
Free T3 was 2.30--------> endo says low.
TSH was 15.93-------> endo says high.
Thyroid activity ---------> too low
My A1C has risen and I'm wondering if my thyroid levels were affecting this.
(Yes Duck, I need to remember to take my med every day).:o
BTW, I have no understanding of what these thyroid numbers mean. Can anyone explain them? What are the normal ranges?

[parrotletzoo]

I've never personally seen a correlation between thyroid levels and a1c.

That being said I can see how mood changes and weight gain from low thyroid function could effect a1c over time. I've never noticed it in myself though.

[NoraWI]

Yes, your TSH is high. TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and is produced by the pituitary, which is the master endocrine gland. For a full explanation all the terms you question, go to Interpretation of Thyroid Tests (http://www.endocrineweb.com/tests.html)

[jen_slc]

When I was dealing with Graves' Disease (hyperthyroidism), my A1c was running on the high end, and so was my cholesterol. Before my care team realized what the problem was and started treatment, my blood sugar was getting harder and harder to control (therefore giving me the higher than normal A1c) and my cholesterol was creeping up with no explanation. So yes, did notice some effect on both of those. Both came back down to normal after dealing with the thyroid issues.

[notme]

Very interesting article NoraWI. I have low normal thyroid tests all the time, but many many symptoms of thyroid problems. I also have a thyroid that is small and harder than normal. I will read the article closely and have more questions when I go back to the endo. Thank you.

[kgm0612]

In one of the diabetes magazines I subscribe to (can't remember which one), there's a big article on Thyroid & Diabetes. I haven't had time to read it, but I will, and I'll get back to you on what it said.

Karen

[kgm0612]

The magazine is Diabetes Self-Management Sept/Oct 07'
"Thyroid Disorders & Diabetes" p. 80.

Although there is no specific mention in the article relating specifically to an A1c, it does say:

Effect on diabetes control: Since normal thyroid function is essential to egulate energ metabolism, abnormal thyroid function may have profound effects on blood glucose control in diabetes. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect the course of diabetes, but their effects are somewhat different.

Hyperthroidism: typically associated with worsenig blood glucose control and increased insulin requirements. The excessive throid hormone causes increased glucose production in the liver, rapid absorption of glucose through the intestines, and increased insulin resistance.

Hypothyroidism: rarely causes significant changes in blood glucose control, although it can reduce the clearance of insulin from the bloodstream, so the dose of insulin may be reduced. More important, hypothyroidism is accompanied by a variety of abnormalities in blood lipid levels. This includes increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, and increased triglyceride levels.

Karen