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Type 2 and Hashimotos



I certainly would not recommend any attempt to self medicate for hypthyroidism.

But I do believe that you are in a viscious circle, your BG is high, which for me was a major factor in how I felt.
I was only diagnosed as my concentration was poor, my memory terrible and I was constantly exhausted, which was why I went to the doctor in the first place.
When I lowered my BG, I returned to normal.
I can't say you will, but I suspect it would be a major step along the way.
 

I really think that some of your symptoms are to do with the cocktail of drugs that you are on.
I would ask for a medication review and depending where you live, if your Dr. is reluctant to do this then a pharmacist can do it for you. It seems that your G.P. would rather get out the prescription pad than make any suggestions as to why you are feeling the way you do. Has he ever discussed the possible interactions between your medications or that some of them can raise your blood sugars?
 

That's quite a medicine chest, so your doctor is happy enough to prescribe some meds!

Sadly, you are in a check and egg scenario. Many, many people have noted brain for, which clears once the bloods are wrangled into better shape.

I'd suggest in taking some small first steps, and your concentration and memory might be helped by making lists of your meal plans/food in the pantry. We don't shop every day (nightmare, nightmare!), but shop once a week, or longer, depending on where we are and what we have on. We buy, with meals in mind, so when we come home from our shop up we have x evening meals, and a similar number of breakfats and lunch options. We don't go as far as having a Monday = pork chops sort of routine, but I always know we have something at home we both like to eat. That makes things so much simpler.

Coincidentally, I was reading somewhere the other day that it has been found that those who have the same breakfast each day stick to diets for longer, as there are fewer decisions to be made, when under stress decision making can be quite tiring.

For now, you are not in control of your doctor's attitude and treatment of your Hashimoto's, but you are receiving medication for your diabetes. The absolute key to diabetes management is dietary control. That is a harsh and hard fact. Unless you are taking steps to moderate your diet, you are likely to head towards more and stronger drugs, and I reiterate, high blood sugars can negatively impact your mental state in themselves.

I'm sorry you're having a rotten time, and I'm sure I seem harsh in my approach, but there's little point in shilly-shallying around the facts. If you want to do something to help yourself, this forum will be a great resource and support for you. It's in your own hands.
 

As I said, I know it is very difficult to understand if you have never had mental problems. I had a high powered job and was proud of my ability to make decisions. Since my breakdown I sometimes find it difficult to organize my clothes washing. I am so glad for all of you who are able to deal with your diabetes and have no problem shopping for the week and eating a healthy diet, but it just makes me feel stupid and inadequate.

The effects of having an under-active thyroid include confusion, exhaustion, and irregular blood glucose. The same as Type 2 diabetes. Surely these should be treated together? I don't seem to be getting a definitive answer on this, the original reason for coming on here, as I had hoped.
 

I don't think I, or any other lay person here, or any health care professional you might bump into here can answer that for you. We aren't qualified, and we don't know enough about you. What qualifications does your colleague have that makes you so certain she is better informed that your doctor?

If you feel sufficiently aggrieved, you could see another GP at your practice and ask for a discussion to ease your mind, or clarify the position. What I would ask is this: If today you were given something for your Hashimoto's, what would you do about your diabetes? What steps would you take in that regard?

Forgive me for saying so, but it's almost like you're withholding effort any effort on your diabetes, almost like a ransom to the Hashimoto's.
 

The definite answer is to treat the BG, by diet, and accompanied by medication.
Once that has been undertaken, any other medications should be re-assessed, as the needs for medication will have changed.

Medicine alone won't have the same effect.

Eating less carbs, even for a short period, will help achieve this.
It's not planning, or shopping that is required, it's simply slightly altering the mix of what you eat, and eating less of one type of food.
 
When were you diagnosed with Hashimotos ? You would normally have had both thyroid hormone tests (TSH and at least free T4) plus antibody tests. Presumably the results of the tests would your GP records .You can ask for a print out of your records though you may have to pay an 'administrative fee' but why not talk to them and ask what your results were and why you weren't put onto thyroxine at the time. on for it.

I do agree that being hypothyroid can affects your ability to deal with things. In my case certainly I became less motivated ( I was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease about 18 months ago with a relatively high TSH and TPO antibodies ) During the undiagnosed period, I probably needed slightly more insulin than before (not getting out of the house as much) but undiagnosed hypothyroid didn't really impact too much on my overall glucose control (I'm T1 ) and my HbA1c didn't really get any higher .
If you have a low TSH then I suspect you will feel better if it is addressed but you can still learn to adjust your insulin and diet effectively to control your glucose levels.
 

@nannoo_bird is T2, on Metformin.
 
AndBreathe said:
Apologies - I missed that on the list.
Click to expand...
I have read quite a lot online about diabetes and Hashimotos and how people with diabetes are more likely to have underactive thyroids. I just want a doctor to treat the two things, not just the diabetes. My brain fog and exhaustion might be down to the Hashimotos - I won't know until they treat it. I was diagnosed in Switzerland, where i lived until two years ago. Since being back in the UK, I have found the NHS frustrating, and at my doctor's practice they are unwilling to contradict the other doctors. My collegue who was aghast that the Hashimotos is not being treated is qualfied to say that as she herself has Hashimotos, and Lupus.

The other problem - which is a big issue with the Stop the Thyroid Madness website - is that the NHS are loathe to do comprehensive blood tests for hypothyroidism - I asked for free T3 and free T4, TSH, etc, and was told that they were not necessary, that the basic test was sufficient.
 
The only way I found to be in total control of my blood glucose was to be carb-free. When I was in a better state of mind, I tried this for two weeks, and it worked, but I couldn't keep it up, I craved so much in my diet. So, in turning over my new leaf, but being realistic, if I adopt a better diet and regulate my blood glucose levels with insulin, I should feel better. But I have found it very hard to find out exactly what raises my personal BG levels, it is not as simple as saying it was because of carbs, or chocolate etc. Stress seems to have an effect, as does tiredness, or illness. So, without having to devote my life to a monastic diet, or constant testing, what do you guys suggest I do to regulate my BG/BS levels?
 

All of those things you suggest can impact on your bloods, but regular testing, along with a diary would help identify your personal triggers, and you would know if you were stressed etc. I know I found my testing pivotal in understanding the condition.

If you feel strongly enough about the blood tests, it is possible to have them done independently of the NHS. This link appears to have quite a comprehensive menu: http://privatebloodtests.co.uk/epag...ategories/Types_of_Test/"Thyroid Blood Tests"

I know, in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to sponsor our own investigations, but it is an option, and would give you factual information with which to approach your usual doctors. With that particular organisation the tests are done in the Phlebotomy Departments of your local Spire Hospitals, so it's no cowboy outfit. I know pay for interim HbA1cs etc., when I am abroad, as I'd rather do that that feel I was out of touch, and I have considered some supplementary tests in UK, but thus far not felt sufficiently compelled.

This site is a very supportive place. It would be good if you stuck around.
 
Personally ,I would be careful of some internet sites and their discussion on thyroid problems.
.In my opinion there is an awful lot of pseudo science promulgated in these sites. They made me quite depressed when I was diagnosed , there seem to be a lot of people who want to blame everything on the thyroid.
Have a look at this article discussing the facts, as used in evidence based medicine. http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org...acts-the-controversies-and-the-pseudoscience/
I would certainly ask for a TSH test and FT4 .The TSH at least is a basic test which you seem to suggest that you have had. As has already been suggested you could if absolutely necessary get a private test. However, if your TSH results were classified as sub clinical hypothyroid ( basically anything less than 10mIU/L) you will find that is not treated in most places in Europe. You will find sites suggesting that it should be treated but ,there is little objective evidence that treatment does anything at subclinical levels with results mostly no different to placebo

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003419.pub2/abstract;jsessionid=9EF98BBC2E534CCE4FBB246E1EC915D4.d01t03?systemMessage=Wiley Online Library will be unavailable 17 Dec from 10-13 GMT for IT maintenance

also these are the UK guidelines for testing and treatment http://www.british-thyroid-associat...ocs/TFT_guideline_final_version_July_2006.pdf
 
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If you have private health insurance why not find a specialist consultant in the fields that are giving you the greatest concern and go with a list of medication and symptoms
CAROL
 
In Belgium you can be treated at a TSH of 2.6 and parts of Germany seem to have similar ranges or at least upper range for when it is possible to treat at around 3. The UK endocrinologists on the other hand seem to lack the ability to interpret medical texts so recommend to withhold treatment until a TSH of 10.
 

What's the limit in your country, as you self medicate?
 

".................... I would be careful of some internet sites and their discussion on thyroid problems..........."
With respect, the same could be said for fora on any subject Phoenix, although I do agree health matters tend to be more extreme perhaps.
 
Thank you everyone, I have a lot of reading to do!!! I think many of you seem to live in areas with a choice of health services. I am in Cornwall, so no Spire hospitals. I asked my GP for a referral to a private endocriologist, and he said he didn't know one!!!!!
 

This place has two endocrinologists: http://www.duchyhospital.co.uk/our-hospital.aspx

Just give them a call and make a few enquiries.
 
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