As human beings so many things we do are connected or dependent on other factors, with each affecting the other; for instance, you work out when you have the energy (and vice versa), a good mood helps you be more productive at work (and vice versa) etc. Similarly, the human body is intricately interconnected where various seemingly disconnected functions influence each other, often in ways we least expect. And when it comes to managing a chronic health condition like diabetes or metabolic disorders, these links can get a little more complex— sometimes, two seemingly disjointed issues can affect each other.. From dietary and exercise choices to certain medication and stress, if you’re living with diabetes, you are probably already aware of most of the factors that cause your blood sugar to fluctuate and are regularly keeping track of these variables. While you do work hard to avoid drastic dips and spikes, did you know that your thyroid gland/function could also be contributing to these fluctuations?

With approximately 1 in 10 adults in the country said to be affected by thyroid disorders and approximately 1 in 11 adults said to be living with diabetes, being in the know about a possible connection is vital! Interestingly, studies show that diabetes and thyroid disorders are two of the most common disorders related to the endocrine system and they often coexist. Further, they also have been found to mutually influence each other, and having one of these two endocrine system disorders could also increase the risks of developing the other. In fact, 1 in 4 diabetic patients suffer from thyroid disorder¹.

Metabolism & sugar levels: A delicate balance

There is an interesting correlation between thyroid and diabetes; let’s delve further into it.

A thyroid disorder can affect your production of insulin and insulin levels. Hyperthyroidism – occurring due to an overactive thyroid gland – increases insulin resistance as well as causes a quicker elimination of insulin from the body due to an increase in metabolism. This can cause your blood sugar level to rise; and for those already on an insulin treatment plan, it could affect your required dosage level. On the flip side, hypothyroidism – occurring due to an under-active thyroid gland – slows down metabolism, reduces insulin resistance, and can cause blood sugar levels to fall and possibly cause a state of hypoglycemia. Both an under and over active thyroid gland can have a considerable impact on a management and treatment plan when living with diabetes.

Similarly, diabetes too can affect thyroid function. Research suggests that people with diabetes have an increased chance of developing a thyroid disorder, with a prevalence of about 10%. In fact, it is said that people with Type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of hyperthyroidism, since they are both autoimmune disorders.