The Link Between Diabetes and Thyroid Problems (and What You Can Do About It)

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing thyroid disorders. In the general population, about 6% have some form of thyroid problem. However, this rate increases to over 10% in people with diabetes.

In fact, thyroid disorders are very common in Western countries ... the second most common condition that affects the endocrine system, after diabetes.

of Endocrine system Is a group of glands that secrete hormones that regulate the use of nutrients by cells. In short, these glands play a central role in the proper functioning of metabolism.

Abnormal thyroid function can have a major impact on diabetes control ... Untreated thyroid disorders can increase the risk of diabetic complications and exacerbate the symptoms of diabetes.

However, thyroid problems can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test and can be effectively treated. People with diabetes need to be examined regularly for thyroid disorders.

What is the thyroid gland?

of Thyroid Is shaped like a butterfly sitting around the trachea of ​​the neck between Adam's apple and clavicle. It produces two hormones, T3 and T4, and sets the rate of metabolism. Heart rate, breathing depth, body temperature, and insulin usage are thyroid-related functions.

hyperthyroidism In other words, excessive production of thyroid hormone increases insulin resistance, Hypothyroidism If too little hormone is created, cholesterol will rise.

Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism greatly increase the risk of heart disease.

Symptoms of thyroid problems

Symptoms vary depending on age, sex, and whether or not hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, coldness, weight gain, depression, dry hair and skin, and constipation.

Hyperthyroidism is like experiencing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, and diarrhea.

Hypothyroidism, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause goiter and neck swelling as the goiter grows larger.

Many of the symptoms are very similar to those of type 2 diabetes. For example, one symptom of a thyroid problem is cold feet. However, people with type 2 diabetes can easily mistake this for diabetic neuropathy.

Testing for thyroid problems

It is necessary to regularly check the thyroid gland with a blood test because it is not possible to actually determine if there is a thyroid problem by symptom alone. This is usually done by examining the blood for TSH, a thyroid stimulating hormone.

TSH is a hormone that the pituitary gland uses to work on the thyroid gland. If thyroid function is low, TSH levels in the blood will be high, and the thyroid should produce more thyroid hormone. If the thyroid is overactive, TSH will be low and will try to slow down.

TSH levels between 0.4 and 4.0 mU / L [milliliter / liter] are considered normal. However, in some people, TSH 2.0-4.0mU / L may significantly reduce thyroid function. Levels in this range may have already raised lipids to harmful levels and possibly increased glucose. In some European countries, thyroid drugs can be administered to patients with TSH> 2.0 mU / L.

How to manage thyroid problems

There are three things you have to do to manage thyroid problems ... Take regular tests ... Take prescription drugs ... And be thyroid-friendly Eat a meal

Testing ... According to the American Diabetes Association [ADA], anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be checked for thyroid disorders and then every five years. Patients with type 1 diabetes should be screened annually. We also recommend that you test whenever there is an unknown change in blood glucose level.

Medicine ... Hypothyroidism can be treated with levothyloxynene, a synthetic version of T4, the main thyroid hormone. It is made and released by the thyroid gland. However, to find the optimal dose, you should try different doses. This can take several months.

However, levotyroxynene is not effective for everyone. However, there are other drugs such as liothyronine that can be used instead.

It is important to take thyroid at the same time every day.

There are also medical and surgical treatments for hyperthyroidism.

diet ... Eating the right food makes a difference.

Iodine It is the most important nutrient for the thyroid gland. It is added to most salts sold in Europe and North America. If you use other, more specialized salts, or if you don't use salt, you need to consume more iodine. Sea vegetables [seaweed] and sea animals are the best sources.

Medicine, food, exercise

The most common form of thyroid problem is hypothyroidism, a low-performing thyroid gland.

To speed up the thyroid gland, you need to do the following:

Medicine ... take the correct amount of medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not skip taking at the same time of day. If taken at various times during the day, it may not function properly. Make it part of your set's daily routine so you probably need to take it for the rest of your life.

Take thyroid medicine on an empty stomach. Food, especially high fiber foods, can reduce absorption. Do not stop eating high-fiber foods because they are good for your body ... Take a few hours before or after taking the thyroid.

Do not take calcium supplements or iron-containing supplements [such as multivitamins] with thyroid drugs. They can also interfere with drug absorption.

food ... Brassic vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage can affect the production of thyroid hormones. These are very healthy foods, so you have to keep eating them ... don't eat them at the same time you take the medicine. Cooking these vegetables seems to reduce this effect.

Easy Soy food ... contains soy Genistein, May reduce thyroid hormone production ... and limit them to several times a week while you need to keep eating them.

Eat foods that increase thyroid hormone production. These foods contain nutrients such as vitamin B, selenium, zinc, tyrosine, and iodine. Poultry, seafood, lean meat, whole grains, onions, beans, almonds, avocados, seeds, and low-fat dairy products may help.

Avoid or limit fatty or sweet foods as you would control diabetes.

Please note the size of the potion. It's easy not to eat too much. If you need to lose weight, eat less.

Iron deficiency is one of the causes of hypothyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism, ask your doctor to check your iron level.

Do not take dietary supplements such as iodine supplements to treat thyroid problems without first discussing with your doctor. Also, do not stop taking thyroid drugs in the hope that you will “treat” hypothyroidism with diet alone.

motion ... no need to resolve hypothyroidism [or diabetes], but it helps the process. Matching your daily exercise routine will boost your efforts.