My T1d is 15yo, dx’ed at 91/2 yo. Found out today that he has anti-bodies that are attacking his thyroid. Thyroid levels are still ok but the MD says it is just a matter of time before his thyroid quits working. Just wondering how common this is… Any others with the same? How does affect the T1d control? ANY INSIGHTS?
I was diagnosed with type 1 dm at 10 almost 11 years old. At 22 developed a goiter that resulted in the removal of one thyroid lobe. Fortunately there was no cancer, but I had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is autoimmune thyroid disease. In my late 50’s the remaining love became hypothyroid. I don’t think the thyroid becomes completely destroyed as the islets do but their function can decrease over time.
I was diagnosed with Hashi’s a few years before I actually needed thyroid meds, and it was a giant rollercoaster ride for a while (a few more years) as my thyroid was sputtering… I’ve finally been stable for a few years, and it’s much easier just keeping tabs on that rather than playing the “maybe you need more/less replacement” game.
Thyroid meds cause some degree of IR, there’s no getting around that - if you are on too much replacement hormone, the effects are nearly exponential compared to being on the “right” dose.
We know that once a person has one autoimmune disease they are at increased rick for having 2 or more.
Rick
A 3 time Autoimmuner. UUUGH
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I was diagnosed with Type 1 and Hashi’s 3.5 years ago. I have antibodies for both.
I’ve been through 1 successfully completed pregnancy and on my 2nd. No thyroid issues as of yet during pregnancies. Pretty stable. Its after my pregnancies that it takes almost a year a half for my thyroid to become stable again. I go hyper and hypo inconsistently. Its insane and drives me crazy. This is my last pregnancy so I’m looking forward to my thyroid getting back to a consistent level.
I’ve learned the “right” dosage is very dependent upon many factors. A lot can do with how I feel and my numbers combined. I been “in range” many times but feel so sluggish I cannot function normally. So my endo increases my dose a little. I’ve never had my endo tell me my thyroid will eventually give out though or quite working as you said. Does this doctor have a crystal ball and see the future? That’s quite limiting and freaking depressing to say that to a patient and parent. What a great bedside manner! Holy heck!
Practically speaking, I take synroid. When I take more or enough meds, my blood sugar is pretty stable when I stay on top of it. Too much meds or when I’m overreplaced and my insulin requirements decrease and this equates to frequent lows and weightloss. I love to exercise, with Hashi’s I have to suspend my pump or set up a temp basal so I can have a productive workout without getting too low.
This is the better side to Hashi’s, that i’ve experienced. Now, the horrible side for me. When my thyroid is stubborn and not cooperating with the rest of my body, my meds don’t seem to affect my thyroid and my BG’s are hard to control. I can gain weight very easily and its hard to work it off, almost impossible. Everything seems like an uphill battle. The thyroid is affected and works in conjunction with or against other hormones depending on its function at that moment. I"m also guessing that Hashi’s more specially affects women/girls a little different than men/boys. With the differing body chemistries and all.
I’m sure there are more tidbits to share, but these are the ones that came to mind.
Its always been my policy in life not to overreact about what authority figures say, even doctors. Stay calm and take it one step at a time. When people panic, it accomplishes nothing and makes things worse. Start with the meds and blood draws to check thyroid levels and go from there. I get my blood drawn every 3 months, but in the beginning I had it taken every month for the first 3 months until my thyroid was somewhat stable. Its a big change, but many people function well in life with Hashi’s and diabetes. Overall, I will say that I do get more tired easily compared to before I had diabetes and Hashi’s. I have to pace myself and it took a good year for my husband to adjust to the changes to my stamina or lack thereof.
Busybee
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system one day decides that specific cells are foreign invaders and must be destroyed. Autoimmune disorder in general is usually multifaceted affecting other cells too.
John
My understanding is that it’s very common. I’ve been hypothyroid for 9 years and T1 for 4. Last year, my thyroid meds were a bit high and it did seem to be affecting my BG control, making it a bit more difficult. When the thyroid is in order, I don’t know that it really affects the BG control for me.
I have type 1 and tested positive for tpo antibodies too. My levels are what is considered ok, but people at a thyroid site said my tsh level at above 2 and t4 and t3 at the low end already show signs of the thyroid gland struggling. Plus I have tons of symptoms. My doc rx synthroid but I haven’t taken it yet because I’m worried it could make matters worse maybe at this point. I don’t know. Another doc said don’t treat it while levels are in range unless you feel very weak. I do feel a lot of fatigue, but I’m waiting to go to someone who specializes in thyroid issues. I think my cde, whose son has type 1 said he also had hashimotos and started treating it earlier, before his levels were out of range maybe. I’m not sure what the best thing is for me yet.
Eating a gluten free diet seems to help a lot of people with hashimotos and may help slow the attack. I have been doing that already after dka due to it helping my bg control and due to a reaction to wheat my whole life. I’m not sure if it is helping the thyroid situation or not, it’s hard to say.
I just thought of something else that I’ve noticed. I take Synthroid and take it daily. I have found by experience that taking the medication at the same time every day really helps. You can to take it 30 mins before eating, but you should take it fasting. When I miss a dose I can really feel it and my BGs are out of control for the day usually.
I have also found that having a food and exercise schedule really helps for a routine with my thyroid. I also have a tip sheet I received from a dietician on which foods and meds interact well and poorly with thyroid disease.
I will try to post it soon.
Busybee
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3 Ways to Boost Thyroid Function0001-1.pdf (757.7 KB)3 Ways to Boost Thyroid Function0002-1.pdf (750.9 KB)
I’ve had Hashimoto’s for about 20 years, and I was just dx’d with T1D about two years ago. It’s very common for folks to have both. As far as I can tell, the thyroid issues don’t complicate my glucose control, but my thyroid levels are currently stable and good on levothyroxine. I suppose it could be an issue if they were not, and I know it can take a while to get to the correct dose after the dx.