THE LINK BETWEEN DIABETES AND THYROID

By Daily News Reporter

Diabetes and thyroid disorders occur due to hormonal changes. Although growing evidence suggests a link between diabetes and thyroid disorders, researchers are currently unsure what connects them.

Thyroid disorders and diabetes are two of the most common conditions that endocrinologists treat. An “endocrine disorder” is any condition that affects the production and release of hormones.

People living with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing a thyroid disorder and vice versa.

This article will discuss the relationship between diabetes and thyroid disorders in more detail.

Most Experts refer to both diabetes and thyroid disorders as endocrine disorders.

This term refers to medical conditions in which the endocrine system, which produces hormones, cannot function correctly. These conditions can have several potential causes, and because they affect hormones, they can lead to a wide range of symptoms.

The endocrine system consists Trusted Source of eight major glands throughout the body, including the thyroid and pancreas.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck. It produces hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which help regulate body processes. These processes include the following:

Metabolism

Mood

Breathing

Heart rate

In some cases, the thyroid may overproduce hormones, causing a condition called hyperthyroidism.

It can also underproduce hormones, leading to a condition called hypothyroidism.

Autoimmune conditions can often result in the development of these thyroid disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are common causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively.

Diabetes

The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that plays a role in the digestive system. It produces insulin, a hormone that helps blood sugar, also called glucose, enter cells, providing the cells and body with essential energy. Without enough insulin, a person may develop diabetes

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to process blood glucose. There are multiple types of diabetes, with type 1 and type 2 being the most common.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas, reducing insulin production.

Many variables may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, such as:

Genetics

Insulin resistance

Diet and lifestyle factors

The thyroid and blood sugar  

The thyroid secretes hormones that regulate a person’s metabolism. An imbalance in these hormones can affect Trusted Source blood sugar in several ways.

Excess thyroid hormone increases a metabolic process called lipolysis, which involves the breakdown of body fat into serum-free fatty acids, and the secretion of insulin and glucagon. The sum of these effects causes glucose metabolism to worsen, which can cause glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Glucagon is a hormone that the pancreas releases Trusted Source when a person experiences hypoglycemia, a condition in which their blood sugar levels are too low. The body stops releasing glucagon when the blood sugar levels return to a healthy range.

Research by daily News health reporter stated that according to a 2016 review on thyroid and blood sugar shows an excess of glucagon is the key factor in the development of diabetes.

A resident of Kanyama Compound in Zambia Beatrice shares a story: Living with diabetes and a thyroid disorder,

“Living with diabetes and a thyroid disorder has been tough, but I manage them carefully with support. For diabetes, I watch my diet, check my blood sugar, and stay active. I also take medication and see my endocrinologist regularly for my thyroid.

It’s intriguing how diabetes and thyroid problems are linked. They both involve the endocrine system. People with diabetes often have thyroid issues, and vice versa. So, I closely monitor both conditions and ensure my doctors know my full medical history.

Managing both conditions means living a healthy lifestyle and getting specialized care. Following my treatment plan helps me stay healthier and improves my quality of life.”