The Thyroid and Diabetes

     When I am speaking of the thyroid, I do not mean parathyroid.  The four parathyroid glands, which are about the size of a pea, are located behind the thyroid and regulate the calcium level in our bodies so the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.  The parathyroid and thyroid are both a part of the endocrine system but are otherwise unrelated.  The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped endocrine gland and one of the largest.  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.  Thyroid hormones affect all the cells in the body and control a lot of the bodily functions.  Both diabetes and thyroid disorders are affected by a malfunction of the endocrine system, which secrets directly into the bloodstream.  Iodized salt is a good source if you need iodine added to your diet. Potassium iodine and sodium iodine are active forms of supplemental iodine.  
     In the body metabolism relates to the processes that convert food and other substances to energy and other metabolic products.  Metabolism helps in the absorption and digestion of nutrients.  With proper treatment most people can control their diabetes and thyroid disorders with no long-term effects. All glands in the body depend upon each other to function properly.
     The thyroid makes hormones that control metabolism, body weight, energy rate, heart rate, menstrual regularity, muscle strength and temperature.   The main function of the thyroid is the production of T3 and T4 and Calcitonin, which is important in bone and calcium metabolism,.
Thyroid problems are common in diabetics and can cause some metabolic disturbances.  The most common thyroid problems are: goiters, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.  A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland.  Goiters may be due to lack of iodine in the diet, thyroiditis (inflammation), inflammation from infection, tumors and hyper-hypo function of the thyroid.  Get your thyroid tested.  I have two small goiters; trust me when I say you do not want to have a thyroid goiter.
     Hypothyroidism is when there is not enough thyroid hormone circulation the body.  Have a doctor check for hypothyroidism if you have several of these systems: unusual fatigue, depression, muscle and joint pain, high cholesterol, cold (when it isn't), dry skin, heavy periods, husky voice, hair loss, memory loss, constipation or weight gain.
     Hyperthyroidism is when there is too much thyroid hormone circulation 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, diarrhea, and weight loss. 
     A thyroid imbalance can impact glucose control and how your diabetes is managed.  A thyroid imbalance may go unnoticed because the symptoms are similar to those of diabetes.  You might have thyroid problems instead pf poor diabetic control.  Insulin resistance has many of the same symptoms as hypothyroidism. 
     Untreated hyperthyroidism may cause blood glucose to rise, weight loss may occur and ketones may begin circulating in the blood leading to more insulin and/or medication for control. 
     The American Diabetes Association has recommended diabetics be tested for thyroid disorders.  I usually have my thyroid checked yearly because your thyroid needs can change.  If you have a thyroid problem, once the thyroid disorder is treated diabetes management is usually improved.  Patients that are on a thyroid medication should NEVER switch medication brands or amounts without checking with their doctor because it does make a difference.