Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland and one of the  largest in the body. The main function of the thyroid  gland is to convert iodine (found in many foods) into  thyroid hormones. The thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine. The thyroid hormones affect all  the cells in the  body and control a  lot of the bodily functions. Iodized salt is a good source if you need iodine added to your diet. Potassium iodine and sodium iodide are active forms of supplemental iodine.
Both diabetes and thyroid disorders are affected by a malfunction of the endocrine system, which secretes directly into the bloodstream. The endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, islands of Langerhans of the pancreas, and the gonads (Ovaries and testes). It is a group of glands that help to regulate many aspects of bodily metabolism. The secretion of thyroxin (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4) by the thyroid gland helps in controlling metabolism. The term metabolism means change or transformation. In the body, metabolism relates to the processes that convert food and other substances to energy and other metabolic byproducts.. Metabolism helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. With proper treatment, most people can control their diabetes and thyroid disorders with no long-term effects.
Thyroid problems are fairly common in diabetics and can cause metabolic disturbances. The most common thyroid problem are goiters and hyperthyroidism. A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. A goiter may be due to a lack of iodine in the diet, thyroiditis, (inflammation), inflammation from infection, tumors, or hypo-or-hyper function of the thyroid. Have your doctor check for hypothyroidism if you have several of these symptoms: fatigue, depression, muscle and joint pain, high-cholesterol, feeling cold in warm weather, dry skin, heavy periods (in women), husky voice, hair loss, memory loss, constipation, or weight gain. Hyperthyroidism is when there is too much thyroid hormone circulating in the body. Symptoms include: feeling hot when others aren't, pounding heart, irregular heartbeat, nervousness and irritability, restlessness, and inability to sleep, tremors, hair loss, decreased periods (in women), diarrhea, and weight loss.
A thyroid imbalance can impact glucose control and how your diabetes is managed. Thyroid disorders may go unnoticed because the symptoms are similar to those of diabetes. You might have thyroid problems instead of poor diabetic control.
Insulin resistance has many of the same symptoms as hypothyroidism. Untreated hyperthyroidism may cause blood glucose (sugar) to rise, weight loss may occur, and ketones may begin circulating in the blood--leading to more insulin and/or medication. The American Diabetes Association has recommended that diabetics be tested for thyroid disorders. The THS test, which is a blood test, measures the amount of THS being produced and is a good test of thyroid function. Once the thyroid disorders are treated, diabetes management is usually improved. Patients who are on a thyroid medication should NEVER switch medications brands or amounts without checking with their doctors first, because it does make a difference. DO NOT take thyroid medication with a calcium supplement.