Thyroid diseases and type 2 diabetes share a connection because thyroid hormones make a direct impact on insulin production and blood sugar levels. So, any imbalance in thyroid hormones can increase the risk of diabetes. However, you can manage your thyroid disease with treatment which can lower your risk of diabetes.

Diabetes and thyroid disorders are related. One situation can make the other more likely. The rationale is that thyroid hormones are critical to the synthesis of insulin. Its levels can become excessively high or too low, which can impact the synthesis of glucagon and insulin and ultimately lead to diabetes. On the other hand, diabetes may affect the generation of TSH, which is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland to create thyroid hormones.

Depending on their type, there is an increased risk of thyroid issues and diabetes. For example, having type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease, raises your risk of getting thyroid conditions. Though the risk is much lower in the case of type 2 diabetes, it is still there because the condition can affect the thyroid-stimulating hormones and the peripheral tissues’ ability to convert thyroxine to triiodothyronine.

What can you do?

If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid diseases or diabetes, then a blood test is enough to tell if you have an imbalance in your thyroid hormone or high blood sugar levels. In most cases, if the cause is not an autoimmune disease, thyroid diseases and diabetes are preventable & manageable.

For example, to prevent diabetes, you need to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and maintain a normal weight. However, if you type 2 diabetes, then follow the diabetes management plan that the doctor gives you which may include:

• Manage your blood sugar levels in the targeted range with the help of medications and lifestyle changes.
• Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Follow a healthy meal plan.
• Exercise regularly
• Take your medication on time.
• Check your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Work closely with the diabetes healthcare team.

Similarly, thyroid disorders are also treatable depending on whether you have an under or overactive thyroid gland. While there is no cure for hypothyroidism, you can manage your condition with medication. The most common medication for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine, which is taken in the form of a pill once a day, usually on an empty stomach. The dosage will depend on your condition, health, and age. You need to be regularly tested for thyroid hormones to see if they are at the target levels.

To treat hyperthyroidism, medications like antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or beta-blockers are used. In severe cases, surgery is used.

In addition, the doctor also recommends taking screening individually if you are already living with any of these conditions. So that it can detect any other conditions and treat them accordingly.

If you notice thyroid symptoms, then come to us; our endocrinologists will diagnose your condition and treat it accordingly so that you can live a better life. Visit our endocrinology clinic in Brooklyn for professional help. Call us on +1-347-384-5690 and get answers to all your queries. Log on to  www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment with our endocrinologist to get the best treatment. We have the best endocrinologists who treat these kinds of diseases and helpful staff to aid you during your treatment.