Diabetes and hypothyroidism

I got the same dual diagnosis in October - they are very closely linked.

I'm on two medications for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Artificial T4 and artificial T3). Make sure they check the T4, T3, and rT3 levels. The TSH (an indirect measure) can be perfectly normal, but your T4 and T3 out of whack. You will probably be offered T4, alone. Theoretically the T4 converts to T3 (the happy hormone), so you won't need a supplement. It doesn't always work - sometimes it converts to rT3 (the sad hormone). That's why I'm on both. They're no big deal - although some people have a hard time getting them balanced because doctors like to only test TSH.

A meter is a must. That's the only way you can tell for sure what to take out of your diet. My diabetes is pretty much completely controlled by diet (since 3 days post-diagnosis). I do take 500 mg ER, but most doctors view that as ineffective and only a stepping stone to a higher dose.

I haven't noticed any effect on my diabetes - but I wasn't having symptoms in the first place. I don't recall what I read but there is some potential negative interaction between the LCHF diet and hypothyroidism - although I haven't noticed any. It is on my research agenda for later this summer.

Do have them check your vitamin D levels - that is the third player in the collection of issues, and sometimes hypothyroidism can be cured/put into remission just by getting vitamin D back where it belongs.

Cheese isn't a problem for low carb! Take heart. It's good for you.

Welshman1952 said:

Thanks both for replying so fast!

Neohdiver that was useful -thanks. The doctor indicated only one medication, so I suspect it is because she only tested TSH. When I go back on Wednesday I will ask about the other tests.

On the diabetes part, excuse my ignorance, but what is 500mg ER? Is this something I am likely to be offered?

LucySW - unfortunately, I am a bit of a demon for cheese. Last Christmas over 10 days I ate - 250g Stilton, 250g camembert, 259g brie, 250g of gorgonzola and about the same quantity for 3 other cheeses. So you see I think I need to treat it very carefully as I pretty much can't help myself

This changed diet I am now on doesn't include any cheese and I reckon that if I can keep it up I should shed quite a few pounds. So I guess it's probably best I stay away from the cheese counter, if only to keep my bank manager happy.

Click to expand...

Sorry - I missed a word 500 mg Metformin ER [I'll edit it in the original]. (That's the US version of long-acting Metformin. I believe there is a different two-letter extension for extended release in the UK). If you're in the US - you'll be offered either that or regular Metformin. I think they tend to be a bit slower to offer it in the UK (if that's where you are) - but perhaps others can chime in.

TSH is usually the first test - and medication is usually started based on that, with a follow-up to see how you responded. Assuming you are put on meds, it is the at the follow-up (after meds) that you should start to sort out if you need more than just T4. (You can't predict, in advance, whether your thyroid is doing its T4 -> T3 conversion job well enough)