Thyroid disorders and diabetes both involve changes in the endocrine system and even though scientists are unsure why, growing evidence suggests that there’s a link between the two medical issues.
In this article, our diabetes specialists in Port St. Lucie, FL, at the PEMC of Florida explore the latest findings on these endocrine disorders and try to give our readers and parents the latest answers to understand thyroid and blood sugar issues better.
About Endocrine Disorders
Thyroid problems and diabetes are among the two most prevalent endocrine conditions medical experts treat. The term “endocrine disorder” covers all those conditions that affect normal hormone production. People with one thyroid problem may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes as well.
Eight significant glands in the body comprise the endocrine system, and the pancreas and thyroid are only two.
The Thyroid and Pancreas
The Thyroid is a tiny gland in the front of the neck, shaped like a butterfly, producing a wide range of hormones that aid in regulating several bodily processes, like heart rate, mood, metabolism, and breathing. These hormones include T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 or thyroxine.
In some instances, the thyroid may produce too much or too little of these hormones. The first is called hyperthyroidism, while the latter is referred to as hypothyroidism. For the most part, autoimmune issues may trigger the development of these thyroid conditions, such as Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which are known to lead to both under and overactive thyroid functions.
On the other hand, the pancreas can be found in the abdomen. The gland plays an essential role in regulating the digestive system by producing insulin. This is the hormone that helps glucose enter cells, providing them and the entire body with energy. If the pancreas fails to produce the necessary amount of insulin, a person may get diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. There are several diabetes types, with types 1 and 2 being the most prevalent.
In short, in the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the pancreas, which leads to reduced insulin production. In type 2 diabetes and its other variables, genes, lifestyle, and insulin resistance may be the culprit behind the condition.
Thyroid and Blood Sugar (Glucose)
As mentioned above, the thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism. If these hormones are out of balance, they can lead to blood glucose problems.
For instance, too many of these thyroid hormones may increase lipolysis, glucagon, and insulin production, deteriorating glucose metabolism, which may lead to diabetes and glucose intolerance.
Glucagon is a hormone released by the pancreas in cases when people are experiencing hypoglycemia. This is a condition in which glucose levels are very low in the person, and the body only siezes glucagon production when glucose levels return to a healthy range. According to the findings of a review from 2016, excess glucagon production can be a crucial factor in diabetes development.
Insulin and The Thyroid
Scientific evidence suggests that there are possible links between thyroid problems and insulin resistance. As thyroid hormones are crucial in metabolizing carbohydrates, any type of thyroid dysfunction can impact insulin production and may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance can develop due to hyperthyroidism, which is associated with an elevation in circulating free fatty acids. Within adipose tissue, thyroid hormones trigger a biochemical process known as lipolysis, which entails the decomposition of adipose tissue into free fatty acids found in the bloodstream.
Research suggests the existence of a link between diabetes and serum-free fatty acid levels because the latter has the ability to hinder insulin production and may promote insulin resistance.
In the case of hypothyroidism, metabolism may slow down, causing insulin to stay in the bloodstream for longer. This might suggest that someone with hypothyroidism and diabetes may need lower doses of insulin as treatment.
Other Possible Links
Certain thyroid conditions are autoimmune diseases. Scientific evidence suggests that there is a close link between autoimmune responses and the development of AITD (autoimmune-induced thyroid dysfunction) and type 1 diabetes.
Approximately 17–30% of adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are also found to have autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), while a notable 25% of children with type 1 diabetes experience autoimmune hypothyroidism. The underlying mechanism for this association is believed to involve genetic factors.
An additional potential connection between diabetes and thyroid disorders may be attributed to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which encompasses the intricate interplay among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. These glands release hormones into the bloodstream and regulate stress responses by controlling cortisol levels.
Excessive cortisol levels can lead to elevated glucose levels by prompting the liver to produce additional glucose, resulting in a state of insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion. Consequently, dysfunctions within the HPA axis can disrupt blood sugar regulation and impact the body’s responsiveness to insulin.
Management and Prevention
In some instances, unfortunately, thyroid conditions and diabetes can’t be prevented. Currently, there’s no guaranteed method to prevent autoimmune diseases from developing. Still, with the right approach, patients may be able to delay or even prevent the onset of conditions that have no genetic backgrounds.
For instance, people can prevent type 2 diabetes if they exercise regularly, eat healthy, and stay a healthy weight.
Also, to effectively manage the effects of diabetes, patients may create a self-care plan that may include the following:
- Getting regular exercise.
- Following a specific meal plan.
- Taking insulin and other medications.
- Managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and reaching A1C targets.
- Avoiding smoking altogether.
- Regularly checking blood glucose levels.
- Working closely with diabetes experts.
When it comes to treating thyroid problems, first, experts have to know whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive. And while there’s no cure for hypothyroidism at the moment, it can be managed with medication. Mostly, it revolves around taking T4 replacements to return TSH levels to healthy ranges.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, people may have several treatment options to manage their condition, such as:
- Surgery
- Antithyroid drugs
- Beta-blockers
- Radioactive iodine
Furthermore, healthcare providers may recommend screening individuals who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions for the presence of the other condition. For instance, there is some evidence indicating potential benefits in screening individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for thyroid disorders. This proactive approach to healthcare management can help detect and address comorbidities, improving overall patient care.
If You Wish To Learn More
Compelling evidence underscores the intricate connections between thyroid disorders and diabetes. Thyroid dysfunction can influence an individual’s insulin regulation and blood sugar levels, thereby leading to the onset of diabetes.
Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism are more prevalent among individuals with diabetes when compared to the general population. Therefore, if someone harbors concerns about the possibility of either thyroid disorder, it is advisable to seek prompt medical consultation and evaluation from a healthcare professional. Early detection and management can significantly impact overall health and well-being.
That said if you want to learn more about the links between these conditions or would like to explore treatment options, reach out to our experts today.