Thyroid

[trutilley]

As well as my Diabetes diagnosis a few months ago, it was noticed my I had borderline high levels of TSH. Previous tests had also shown this level & I had long suspected I had thyroid issues. My GP decided not to medicate but my Diabetes Nurse insisted that I should be so I'm now on a 50mg dose of Levothyroxine every day. I understand that poor thyroid function can cause a downwards spiral of high blood glucose & that may be a significant cause of Type 2 Diabetes.
I'll see if my TSH levels are more 'normal' when I have more blood tests in the coming months and I wanted to ask if such a low dose of thyroxine is likely to improve the situation & also what other treatments, if any, might be worth trying?
(I also have Progressive MS & Primary Lymphoedema in my legs)

[Lisa Holmes]

I think I will need to pass on this one and get the other experts to talk you through thyroid treatment options!

[Dr Masud Haq]

Thanks for your post.

If you had a borderline TSH (ie TSH 5 to 10) and the TSH levels were rising or you had thyroid antibodies present(TPO antibodies) then I too would have recommended thyroxine treatment. The same would apply if your TSH levels were above 10.

Hypothyroidism isn't a direct cause of diabetes although indirectly if untreated can lead to weight gain and this puts patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It's quite possible having started thyroxine then you may notice some improvement to your glycaemic control but only time will tell.

I don't think you need to be on any other treatment for your underactive thyroid as thyroxine is considered to be first line.

Best wishes
Masud

[trutilley]

Thank you for the reassurance. My TSH was over 10 so it's a relief to be pro-actively sorting that particular issue out! Fingers crossed that it also has a knock-on effect on my Hb1AC figures in forthcoming months.
Much appreciated.