Diabetic Thyroids

Up until the transfer for adult care (age 17), you should receive annual Thyroid checks.

Thyroid function tests are blood tests which help to check the function of the thyroid gland. They are mainly used to detect hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

People with diabetes (PWD) have a higher prevalence of thyroid disorders compared with the normal population. Because people with one organ-specific autoimmune disease are at risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, and thyroid disorders are more common in females, it is not surprising that up to 30% of female type 1 PWD have thyroid disease. The rate of thyroiditis in PWD is three times that in normal women. A number of reports have also indicated a higher than normal prevalence of thyroid disorders in type 2 PWD, with hypothyroidism being the most common disorder.

How Thyroid Dysfunction May Affect PWD

The presence of thyroid dysfunction may affect diabetes control. Hyperthyroidism is typically associated with worsening glycaemic control and increased insulin requirements.