Diabetes and Thyroid - Things to Watch Out For

In India, it is estimated that one in 10 adults has a thyroid condition and one in 11 has diabetes. But what many of us don't know is how closely linked these two conditions are. About one in four people with type 2 diabetes also have hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. This is no coincidence.

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The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple. It is a gland that controls the body's metabolism. Thyroid hormones and insulin are like the body's energy managers. Thyroid hormones help control how quickly your body uses energy. Meanwhile, insulin helps control blood sugar levels. Together, they play a major role in facilitating the body's metabolism. Therefore, when thyroid function is disrupted, it can affect blood sugar control. And vice versa.

People with diabetes are usually aware of their blood sugar levels. They know how to manage fluctuations. But many symptoms of thyroid disorders can go unnoticed. Even if they affect blood sugar levels, they are less likely to be noticed immediately. This is where regular thyroid check-ups are important. – says Dr. Rohita Shetty, Head of Medical Affairs, Abbott India. Thyroid problems can be effectively managed with proper care.

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Thyroid is often overlooked. A large percentage of the population lives with unrecognized problems and therefore does not seek the necessary care. Many people with diabetes can have thyroid problems without any noticeable symptoms. They can range from fatigue, memory loss, sleep problems, and weight gain to constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and swollen eyelids. An underactive thyroid can cause fluctuations in energy levels, weight, mood, and heart rate. – Dr. Akhil Krishna, Endocrinologist at KimsHealth Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, says,

Research shows that the combination of diabetes and thyroid disorders increases the risk of kidney problems, heart failure, and circulatory problems. These can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy (which occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina), nerve damage, and heart disease.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism slows down the body’s ability to respond to insulin. This means that insulin stays in the blood for longer. This can lead to unexpected drops in blood sugar. It can also lead to slow metabolism and weight gain. It also increases insulin resistance. This makes it difficult to control blood sugar levels. The most common thyroid disorder in people with diabetes is subclinical hypothyroidism. This is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not functioning normally but has no visible symptoms. Hypothyroidism can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to changes in the immune system.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism. This causes the body to absorb glucose from food more quickly and makes cells less responsive to insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Maintaining stable glucose levels can be a challenge for people with diabetes.

Since both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect blood sugar levels, regular checkups and management are necessary.

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