In India, about 1 in 10 adults have a thyroid disorder, and around 1 in 11 adults live with diabetes. But what many people don’t know is how often these two conditions are connected. Actually, hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, affects about 1 in 4 people with Type 2 diabetes. Given that both conditions have an impact on how the body uses energy, this overlap is not coincidental.
Recognizing the connection between diabetes & thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located just beneath Adam’s apple, at the base of the neck. It controls metabolism, which impacts the body’s energy storage and utilization. Thyroid hormones can help regulate how quickly your body can use energy. Insulin helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. Together, they play a big role in keeping your metabolism running smoothly. So, when the thyroid function is disrupted, it can affect blood sugar control, and vice versa.
Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “People living with diabetes are usually aware of their blood sugar levels and know how to manage the fluctuations. But many symptoms of thyroid disorders might go unnoticed, even though they can impact blood sugar levels. Thyroid health and blood sugar levels are more linked than you might think. That's why it's important to get regular thyroid check-ups. With the right care, thyroid disorders can be managed effectively, allowing people to live healthy and active lives.”
Dr. Parjeet Kaur, Endocrinologist, Medanta, Delhi, “Thyroid conditions are often neglected, with a large percentage of the population living with undetected issues and, as a result, not seeking the necessary care. Many people with diabetes may have thyroid problems without noticeable symptoms, which can range from fatigue, memory lapses, sleeping difficulties and excessive weight gain to constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and puffy eyelids. As the gland is crucial for controlling these processes and promoting body’s healthy development, an underactive thyroid can cause changes in fluctuations in heart rate, weight, energy levels and mood. For this reason, thyroid function checkups should be performed on a regular basis, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes.”
Studies reveal that diabetes combined with thyroid disorders can raise the risk of kidney issues, poor heart function, and issues with blood circulation. , These can result in complications like diabetic retinopathy that is caused when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina; or nerve damage and heart disease.
Types of thyroid disorders that influence blood sugar control:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism basically slows down how one’s body processes insulin. This can mean that insulin remains in the bloodstream for a longer period, which may result in unanticipated drops in blood sugar levels. It causes weight gain and increased insulin resistance by slowing down metabolism. Because of this, controlling blood sugar levels may become more. Subclinical hypothyroidism is the most prevalent form of thyroid disorder among diabetics, a condition where your thyroid gland isn’t functioning normally, but there aren’t any visible symptoms. Due to changes in how the immune system functions because of type 2 diabetes, it can also increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Metabolism is accelerated by hypothyroidism. As a result, the body absorbs glucose from food more quickly. However, cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Because of this, it is difficult for diabetics to keep their blood sugars steady.
Blood sugar levels are impacted by both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, necessitating routine monitoring and treatment.
Managing the Dual Diagnosis
Taking care of thyroid issues can definitely help in the management of diabetes. Both thyroid and blood sugar levels can be maintained through simple steps like healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medication as advised by your doctor. Regular screening for thyroid function and blood sugar testing, as advised by your doctor, can ensure that any changes are diagnosed early.
Taking care of yourself by staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep can really help. If you have both thyroid disorders and diabetes , you might need to pay extra attention to your health, by doing so can make you feel better and give you more energy to enjoy your favorite activities.
Recognizing the connection between diabetes & thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located just beneath Adam’s apple, at the base of the neck. It controls metabolism, which impacts the body’s energy storage and utilization. Thyroid hormones can help regulate how quickly your body can use energy. Insulin helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. Together, they play a big role in keeping your metabolism running smoothly. So, when the thyroid function is disrupted, it can affect blood sugar control, and vice versa.
Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “People living with diabetes are usually aware of their blood sugar levels and know how to manage the fluctuations. But many symptoms of thyroid disorders might go unnoticed, even though they can impact blood sugar levels. Thyroid health and blood sugar levels are more linked than you might think. That's why it's important to get regular thyroid check-ups. With the right care, thyroid disorders can be managed effectively, allowing people to live healthy and active lives.”
Dr. Parjeet Kaur, Endocrinologist, Medanta, Delhi, “Thyroid conditions are often neglected, with a large percentage of the population living with undetected issues and, as a result, not seeking the necessary care. Many people with diabetes may have thyroid problems without noticeable symptoms, which can range from fatigue, memory lapses, sleeping difficulties and excessive weight gain to constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and puffy eyelids. As the gland is crucial for controlling these processes and promoting body’s healthy development, an underactive thyroid can cause changes in fluctuations in heart rate, weight, energy levels and mood. For this reason, thyroid function checkups should be performed on a regular basis, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes.”
Studies reveal that diabetes combined with thyroid disorders can raise the risk of kidney issues, poor heart function, and issues with blood circulation. , These can result in complications like diabetic retinopathy that is caused when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina; or nerve damage and heart disease.
Types of thyroid disorders that influence blood sugar control:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism basically slows down how one’s body processes insulin. This can mean that insulin remains in the bloodstream for a longer period, which may result in unanticipated drops in blood sugar levels. It causes weight gain and increased insulin resistance by slowing down metabolism. Because of this, controlling blood sugar levels may become more. Subclinical hypothyroidism is the most prevalent form of thyroid disorder among diabetics, a condition where your thyroid gland isn’t functioning normally, but there aren’t any visible symptoms. Due to changes in how the immune system functions because of type 2 diabetes, it can also increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Metabolism is accelerated by hypothyroidism. As a result, the body absorbs glucose from food more quickly. However, cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Because of this, it is difficult for diabetics to keep their blood sugars steady.
Blood sugar levels are impacted by both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, necessitating routine monitoring and treatment.
Managing the Dual Diagnosis
Taking care of thyroid issues can definitely help in the management of diabetes. Both thyroid and blood sugar levels can be maintained through simple steps like healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medication as advised by your doctor. Regular screening for thyroid function and blood sugar testing, as advised by your doctor, can ensure that any changes are diagnosed early.
Taking care of yourself by staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep can really help. If you have both thyroid disorders and diabetes , you might need to pay extra attention to your health, by doing so can make you feel better and give you more energy to enjoy your favorite activities.
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