Schedule an Appointment

Thyroid Disease is Connected to Diabetes

by Dr. Jennifer Bennett

We diagnose many patients with thyroid disease and many patients with diabetes, but did you know that having one of these conditions markedly increases your risk of developing the other?  In type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there is an increased risk of both low thyroid hormone and high thyroid hormone, but that risk is probably much higher than you may realize.  Statistics show that 30% of type 1 diabetics suffer from thyroid disease – many of these thyroid irregularities go undiagnosed.  Low thyroid hormone is nearly 6 times more common in type 2 diabetics.  To understand your risks, take the following steps:

1.  If you have elevated blood sugar readings, you should be tested for thyroid disorders.

Because the prevalence is higher, it’s worth having a simple blood screen done to obtain necessary treatment that can help to balance your blood sugars long-term.  This can lower the risk of peripheral neuropathy, kidney problems, coronary artery disease, increased cholesterol, and vision loss.

2.  Ask your physician about specific thyroid blood tests.

A blood test called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is the most common laboratory screen for thyroid dysfunction, but not all clues to thyroid disease can be picked up from this one test.  We find it extremely important to test other thyroid markers, including free T3, free T4, and autoimmune thyroid antibodies in addition to see the full picture of a person’s thyroid function.

3.  If you have thyroid problems, you should have regular blood sugar screenings.

Thyroid problems affect your blood sugar control.  The thyroid and pancreas (which releases insulin to help regulate blood sugar) are both organs in the endocrine system in your body.  These organs collectively are in charge of regulating your metabolism, which determines how your entire body generates and uses energy.  Problems with your thyroid hormone production can lead to irregular blood sugar control.  Hyperthyroidism can be associated with high blood sugar readings, which can often lower with treatment of the underlying thyroid issues.  Hypothyroidism has been shown to decrease the body’s ability to break down insulin, resulting in too much insulin in the bloodstream, which can worsen insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes long-term.  Again, treating the underlying hypothyroidism can help to regulate the overall metabolic picture and rebalance blood sugars.

Proper identification and management of both diabetes and thyroid disease is essential to alleviating symptoms and promoting long-term health.  Work with your physician to balance your blood sugars and ensure appropriate dosage of thyroid medications, but keep in mind that most cases of these disorders can markedly benefit from treating the underlying causes of these conditions.  Please visit our website at www.AriaIntegrative.com for more information on how natural therapies can help to manage thyroid conditions and diabetes.

Looking for more information on autoimmune diseases? Get our FREE ebook The 5 Foundations of Autoimmune Diseases, register for one of our FREE online webinars, or check out our blog for additional articles.

Want More Information?

Get our FREE ebook The 5 Foundations of Autoimmune Diseases, register for one of our FREE online webinars, or check out our blog for additional articles.

* indicates required





  • "Always amazing visits! I feel so cared for and know that my health is of first concern when I am here."

    - SR

  • "I highly recommend Aria Integrative Medicine if you have autoimmune issues or other health issues you are trying to get to the bottom of."

    - Alicia P.

  • "I’ve made best progress ever on reducing my symptoms. Thank you!"

    - JH

  • "My care at Aria is always extremely thorough and helpful. It’s great to feel like I’m in good hands!"

    - Beverly L.