Learning About Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and Diabetes
The thyroid is a gland that makes hormones. These hormones affect how your body uses energy (metabolism).
Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a group of health problems caused when antibodies that normally attack germs attack the thyroid instead. These antibodies can either turn on the thyroid (hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease) or turn it off (hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). For every 100 people with type 1 diabetes, 15 to 30 have autoimmune thyroid disease.
Screening and tests
Autoimmune thyroid disease is found with blood tests. These blood tests measure the levels of hormones, like TSH, T4, T3, and Free T4. If you have diabetes and thyroid or celiac disease, you may be at risk for other autoimmune disorders. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Effects on diabetes
When the thyroid doesn’t work normally (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), it can affect blood glucose (sugar) control in people with diabetes.
Hyperthyroidism and diabetes
Hyperthyroidism usually makes it harder to control blood glucose. The thyroid makes too much hormone, causing more glucose in the liver, which the intestines absorb very quickly. This causes insulin resistance, when the body doesn’t use insulin very well. That means a person with hyperthyroidism might need a higher dose of insulin.
Hypothyroidism and diabetes
Hypothyroidism rarely causes big changes to blood glucose control in people with diabetes. The thyroid doesn’t make enough hormone, which reduces the amount of liver glucose production. That means a person with hypothyroidism might need a lower dose of insulin.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_diabetes_thyroiddisease_inst.
Related to Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and Diabetes
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Current as of: July 29, 2024
Author: Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
