Thyroid and diabetes are both endocrine, or hormone, disorders that can affect women.
Hyperthyroidism -
An overactive thyroid can cause the body to use insulin more quickly, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes and hyperthyroidism may need higher doses of insulin to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Symptoms:
- Sweating
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Distraction
- Menstrual changes in women
- Rapid heart rate
Thick skin on the knees, elbows, and shins
Hypothyroidism -
An underactive thyroid can lead to low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. For people with diabetes, hypoglycemia can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Hypothyroidism causes your metabolism to slow and the medications you take, including insulin, stay active longer than they normally would. You may find that your blood glucose levels are lower than they are normally, and you may experience hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Low blood pressure
- Slow pulse
- Intolerance to cold