The correlation between diabetes and low thyroid has been examined, with a new study showing that those with prediabetes and low thyroid (hypothyroidism) are twice as likely to develop into type two diabetes – in comparisons to those participants who had a normal thyroid hormone levels.
Standard thyroid testing often misses the deficiency, yet a low thyroid causes a number of symptoms which can affect overall health.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Cold extremities
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
- Weakness
- Cold intolerance
- Water retention
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Dry skin.
The study discusses that diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease often co-exist in patients, with the thyroid hormone being a major key in order to regulate energy expenditure and metabolism – whilst also being involved in controlling the balance of insulin release and helping to balance blood glucose.
The study
Over eight years, researchers from the Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands followed 8,492 adults who were aged between 54 to 74.
Overall, low thyroid function (even those who were within the normal window) had an increased risk for diabetes by 13%.
Those with prediabetes, the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes was between 15% (participants with normal thyroid function), to up to 35%.
Conclusion
“Our results suggest that low and low-normal thyroid function is related to an increased risk of diabetes.
In individuals with prediabetes and low and low-normal thyroid function, the risk of progression to diabetes seems more prominent.”
With research showing that standard thyroid testing often doesn’t show the complete picture, a new test is available at Amchara Malta.
The Thyroflex tests thyroid function with a non-invasive procedure, with results within 5-10 minutes.
The Thyroflex is 98.5% accurate (as opposed to the 18% of a TSH blood test) and is FDA certified.
To find out more about our retreat, click here.
Thyroid Related Stories:
- The Thyroid
- Why your thyroid is more important than you think
- Study: Low thyroid increases the risk of diabetes
- Thyroid Test: How well is your thyroid functioning?
- Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
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