Is it just me

[alisonz]

Or is any others on here finding this?
I have an underactive thyroid, and it seems that my diabetes has sent my levels all to pot, My TSH levels are 9 (normal are 0.5-4.5) T3 levels are 26 (normal 10-18)
I was due an operation last monday and due to these levels had the op cancelled, but not until I reached the anaesthetic room! The really annoying thing is I had blood tests done 10 days before and so they were aware of these levels, but as a consultant anaesthetist had said it was ok for me to have the op nothing was done, unfortunately he wasn't the anaesthetist on the day and she refused point blank to do it.
I had blood tests done yesterday and got a call this evening from the doctor asking me to repeat them. I'm getting fed up of all this, does my gp not know that diabetes will impact on my thyroid condition?

 

[margie]

Alison, have you asked to see an endocrinologist. I was told that thyroid problems very commonly go hand in hand with diabetes.

I have been told that thyroid levels can vary depending on the season - your thyroid tends to struggle more at certain times of the year and stress can affect it too. My thyroid had been showing signs of struggling then went back to normal.

Thyroid hormones can affect blood sugar I know that. The reason I suggest an endocrinologist is that they have expertise on all aspects of the endocrine system of which the thyroid and pancreas are part - and may be able to sort you out with a better mix of medications.

I would have been really annoyed if I were you - you probably didn't think of it at the time but you should have requested that the consultant was contacted - most of them have pagers.

Hope you have calmed down.

 

[alisonz]

Yes Margie I have an appointment with the endocrinologist on thursday, but only because I went to the doctor very concerned about my hands constantly shaking. She said there was a problem with my thyroid levels that she had never come across and didn't know how to deal with it. What is even more frustrating is that the hospital didn't send a copy of my pre-op test results to the doctor or I think she would have noticed then.

 

[margie]

I hope they sort things out for you. I came across this article on how diet can affect the absorption of thyroid hormones.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/tsh-fluctuating.htm

Though of course (she said not believing a word of it) you will have been told all this ...

 

[alisonz]

Thanks for that Margie very informative xxx I was diagnosed with my thyroid problem over 20 years ago and true to form was just given the pills with no explanation.

 

[RachelT]

I have the opposite problem, i have an overactive thyroid (which also shows up as shakey hands but not a lot else). But my GP says that there's a pretty good chance that you thyroid hormone levels are connected to you blood sugar levels. It's all hormones (it's always the flaming hormones.....). I was once scheduled to see Dr Fox about my thyroid, but the appointment dates got confused and i missed the appointment (see, the flipping hospital doesn't even get things right when you work there!). I did see him about my diabetes though and he didn't seem very worried, and i have a lot more faith in Dr Fox than my GP. If you can get to see Dr Fox, he's a very pleasent guy and clearly knows his stuff.

 

[alisonz]

Rachel, Mr Natarajan is hoping I see either Dr Rippen or Dr Kilvert, don't know which one it is yet as you say the hospital hasn't as yet comfirmed my appointment. Oh well wait and see lol

 

[chrismbee]

I have been trying to find meaningful research/data on the interraction between diabetes and thyroid conditions, so far with little result, save for a few threads on a US diabetes forum.
Various sources cite the autoimmune link between diabetes and thyroidism but which is the dominant force?
Each time I have mentioned my diabetes control struggles to GP's or hospital staff, and whether it is related to my hypothyroidism, I get the stock response "you need to get your blood sugars under control" - hey, tell me something I don't know!
I am currently under the belief that it is the thyroid function that needs to be corrected, before I stand a chance of getting D back in check. Perhaps I need to get an appointment with an endocrinologist?

 

[alisonz]

Certainly worth a try Chris. I was just shockd that my gp didn't connect the 2 conditions. I see the endocrinologist next thursday and I will keep you posted on what is said xx

 

[mrsjaja]

Maybe i should ask to see one too. As you all know my BS are all over the place, and i take 250mcg of Thyroxine (the max dose) daily. Hmmmmmm.....

food for thought i think.....

 

[alisonz]

When I was first diagnosed with D I was taking 225mcg, my as I was due to have an operation (first attempt) I had a call asking me to drop to 200mcg a week later this was dropped again to my current dose of 150mcg. I think its definitely worth talking to someone about it. I have come to the conclusion my gp can't be that good if she couldn't link the 2 conditions. what is also starting to "annoy" me is the frequency of being asked to repeat blood tests, for goodness sake I already have to have them every 2 weeks and being constantly called back for repeats isn't giving me time for my bruises to fade 😡

 

[Ellie Jones]

For T2's diabetics the link betwen under active thyorid and diabetic control is based around both the flutuating hormones levels of the thyorid (It levels flutuate over time, if you'll not taking medication or it meds aren't matched correctly) This can have an impact on your blood glucose just like any other hormone activity in the body... such as stress etc..

Another symptom of under active thyorid which is far from helpful for the T2 diabetic, is it can cause wieght gain/difficult in weight loss, this can have an impact making the diabetic a lot more insulin resistant!!

I think if you are seeing the Endo, it may well worth asking if you can have your Type of diabetes probably indentified, with c-petide/GAD testing as it may well be that you're not T2 but a T1.5/LADDA etc...

As hypothyorisum is an autoammune disease as is T1 diabetes, plus it would also explain why it's so difficult to control your levels...

As for me it was the underactive thyroid that made everything clear, it was dianosed about 4 years before my 2nd pregnancy, when I was told I had GD at the very begining, then after told I had T2 taken off insulin and put on to metformin... Down hill all the way from this point... Changed consultants the new consultant looked at my Medical Records/History, seeing the underactive thyorid, explained that I didn't need C-peptide or GAD testing to clarify, as my thryorids said it all.. I had slow onset T1 diabetes

But unless your thyroid is sorted and/or you Type is clarified it's unlikely that you will sort out your control IMHO