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Is Their A Relation Between Thyroid Levels And Blood Sugar Levels ?
Question: I underwent a medical checkup on 30th May 2011 : Thyroid workup showed results as Total T3 1.23, Total T4 9.6 & TSH as 7.02 ; The corresponding Serum/Plasma glucose readigns were 103 (Fasting) & 134 (PP); THe physician reccomended an increase of daily thyroid medicine to 100mcg of Eltroxin per day on account of high TSH.
I stayed on this dose for 45 days exactly. Recently as part of our Executive medical checkup I tested again; T3 was 0.99, T4 was 9.66 & TSH was a lowly 0.21; Surprisingly the corresponding sugar workout read 148 (fasting ) & 251 (PP) showing signs of diabetes.
The Physician advised a repeat of my sugar workout for the next day which reads 120 (F) & 164 (PP) & HbA1C of 7.5%. I had submitted the sample at the same time to another lab closeby to check for consistency with a totally different set of readings altogether ( 96(F), 182 (PP), HbA1C 5.9%)
I have not been a diabetic & there has been no change in lifestyle over the previous tests. I found a pattern that my rise in sugar levels may have something to do with the fallign TSH levels.
Can you clarify my doubt on these 'induced sugar levels?' and whether my observation of TSH/Sugar correlation is valid ?
I have been gaining weight too without change in lifestyle.
I will plan to XXXXXXX a endocrinologist based on your advise
I stayed on this dose for 45 days exactly. Recently as part of our Executive medical checkup I tested again; T3 was 0.99, T4 was 9.66 & TSH was a lowly 0.21; Surprisingly the corresponding sugar workout read 148 (fasting ) & 251 (PP) showing signs of diabetes.
The Physician advised a repeat of my sugar workout for the next day which reads 120 (F) & 164 (PP) & HbA1C of 7.5%. I had submitted the sample at the same time to another lab closeby to check for consistency with a totally different set of readings altogether ( 96(F), 182 (PP), HbA1C 5.9%)
I have not been a diabetic & there has been no change in lifestyle over the previous tests. I found a pattern that my rise in sugar levels may have something to do with the fallign TSH levels.
Can you clarify my doubt on these 'induced sugar levels?' and whether my observation of TSH/Sugar correlation is valid ?
I have been gaining weight too without change in lifestyle.
I will plan to XXXXXXX a endocrinologist based on your advise
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
Thyroid hormones do indirectly affect the glycaemic control of our body but the discrepancy is not so great so as to cause diabetes. Raised levels of HbA1C are more suggestive of diabetes rather than a single blood glucose reading.
When your TSH was low, then it was associated with higher levels of blood glucose. Rather lower TSH is associated with higher metabolism and lower blood glucose levels.
Your blood investigations do suggest that you are having diabetes even if mild and do need treatment for that. Such rise in blood glucose levels cannot be attributed only to change in thyroid hormone levels.
It would be wise to check for other symptoms of Diabetes in crux situation like this. This includes recent weight gain, increased thirst, Increased appetite and frequent urination.
I do strongly recommend you to consult an endocrinologist to get the proper treatment.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Thanks for writing to us.
Thyroid hormones do indirectly affect the glycaemic control of our body but the discrepancy is not so great so as to cause diabetes. Raised levels of HbA1C are more suggestive of diabetes rather than a single blood glucose reading.
When your TSH was low, then it was associated with higher levels of blood glucose. Rather lower TSH is associated with higher metabolism and lower blood glucose levels.
Your blood investigations do suggest that you are having diabetes even if mild and do need treatment for that. Such rise in blood glucose levels cannot be attributed only to change in thyroid hormone levels.
It would be wise to check for other symptoms of Diabetes in crux situation like this. This includes recent weight gain, increased thirst, Increased appetite and frequent urination.
I do strongly recommend you to consult an endocrinologist to get the proper treatment.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doctor.
1) But is it possible for blood sugar to rise so suddenly over a period of 45 days ? Associated urine tests reported no sugar.
2) My physician was also of the opinion that the numbers cannot be so high. It has to go through a stage called - GLucose intolerace before I develop such high sugars.
3) i do not notice any special change in my appetite. But I feel hungry after consuming some breakfast (within an hour or so). While fasting I am absolutely fine.
So - you suggest that it is more of diabetes rather than a TSH triggered sugar increase ?
1) But is it possible for blood sugar to rise so suddenly over a period of 45 days ? Associated urine tests reported no sugar.
2) My physician was also of the opinion that the numbers cannot be so high. It has to go through a stage called - GLucose intolerace before I develop such high sugars.
3) i do not notice any special change in my appetite. But I feel hungry after consuming some breakfast (within an hour or so). While fasting I am absolutely fine.
So - you suggest that it is more of diabetes rather than a TSH triggered sugar increase ?
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Since your blood reports are showing such a wide discrepancy, i cannot fully rely on the previous reports also.
Secondly, stage of glucose intolerance is diagnosed by using glucose stress test which was not done at that time.
Raised HbA1C strongly suggests diabetes and not a TSH related increase.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Thanks for writing again.
Since your blood reports are showing such a wide discrepancy, i cannot fully rely on the previous reports also.
Secondly, stage of glucose intolerance is diagnosed by using glucose stress test which was not done at that time.
Raised HbA1C strongly suggests diabetes and not a TSH related increase.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Manju M
Answered by
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