Education & Support Services
Newest Articles/Blog Posts
| What is the relationship between women with diabetes and thyroid disease? |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Jennifer Stallings, RD, LDN, CDE, CPT | |||||
|
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland on the base of the neck on both sides of the trachea. It produces and releases thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone affects every cell in the body. The amount made is regulated by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. The pituitary gland releases TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, which allows thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. If pituitary senses enough thyroid hormone is present, it will decrease thyroid hormone production. Health of the thyroid can be measured by a blood test measuring TSH levels. Hypothyroidism is too little production of thyroid hormone and hyperthyroidism is too much production of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include Fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, constipation, listlessness and depression, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, high cholesterol levels, feeling cold, husky voice, dry skin, and heavy periods in women. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, diarrhea, feeling hot, rapid heart rate, tremor of the hands, hair loss, feelings of nervousness and irritability, insomnia, and light or decreased periods in women. Diabetes management can be compromised in both hypo and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism can increase or decrease the insulin requirements in patients with diabetes. Usually an increase is seen as one may be fatigue or tired and not participate in regular physical activity and a slower metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can cause an increase in blood glucose in the bloodstream along with ketones circulating in the bloodstream resulting in the need for more medication needed to lower blood glucose. Treatment options for hypothyroidism are thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine sodium. Treatment will be for a lifetime with yearly TSH levels drawn. If patient notices changes in weight or is fatigue, they should report this to their physician as they may need adjustments to their medication. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism are to take an antithyroid drug to slow down production of thyroid hormone, have radioactive iodine therapy which destroys thyroid cells in order to reduce production of thyroid hormone or surgical removal of the thyroid.
Only registered users can write comments!
Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.26
3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved." |
