Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders?

01/29/2026

What are Thyroid Disorders?

A butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck is the thyroid gland, which helps regulate vital body processes. This butterfly-shaped gland produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones hold a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, breathing, and mood. This gland may sometimes produce high levels of the aforementioned hormone, causing a condition called hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, it sometimes produces these hormones in low levels that may induce a condition called hypothyroidism.

One of the major causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Medications that regulate the production of thyroid hormone are considered first-line treatment for conditions caused by over- or underproduction. In a few instances, you may be prescribed beta blockers to alleviate symptoms or may be asked to undergo surgery to remove the thyroid. 

What is Diabetes? 

The pancreas, which is found in the abdomen, plays an imperative role in the digestive system. It primarily produces insulin, a key hormone that helps glucose enter cells to provide the body with essential energy to perform various day-to-day activities. If this gland fails to produce the hormone at needed levels, or the body fails to use it appropriately, this can, in turn, cause diabetes. Diabetes is a health condition that can affect the body’s ability to regulate or process blood glucose. Diabetes has many types, but type 1 and type 2 are the most common, responsible for almost 90 to 95%.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system functions to attack the pancreas, which, as a result, interferes with insulin production. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes stands out as a condition where the body fails to either produce enough insulin or use it properly, causing high blood sugar levels. A broad range of factors can trigger the development of type 2 diabetes, ranging from genetics to insulin resistance, unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle. 

Diabetes and Thyroid Disease: A Growing Concern in the US

According to reports from the ATS or American Thyroid Association, approximately 12% of the US population will come across some form of thyroid disease in their lifetime. In addition to this, the American Thyroid Association confirmed that around 20 million U.S. citizens already have some type of thyroid disease, and as many as 60% are not even aware of this.                                                                                                                                                                     

Moreover, approximately 37.3 million Americans, which is equivalent to 11.3% of the US population, have diabetes, with type 2 covering more than 90% cases. CDC also confirmed that 8.5 million people (23% of the adult population of the US) are going undiagnosed with diabetes. 

Researchers from a 2019 study published in Endocrine Reviews examined the relationship between these two conditions and found that around 17 to 30% of people with type 1 diabetes have autoimmune thyroid disorders. One more important discovery of this study is that thyroid disorders are more prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes than in the general population. 

The Thyroid and Insulin: Are They Linked Together? 

Many studies found a link between insulin resistance and thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism & hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormone plays a fundamental role in carbohydrate metabolism, and thyroid conditions can interfere with insulin, putting you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Hyperthyroidism may lead to insulin resistance by increasing free fatty acids in the bloodstream. Thyroid hormone encourages lipolysis, a process wherein body fat is broken down into fatty acids. Research finds a strong association between serum free fatty acid levels and diabetes, as these fatty acids often interfere with insulin production, resulting in insulin resistance. 

A study from 2017 identified a strong connection between insulin resistance and an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (which is generally elevated in hyperthyroidism).

Researchers also confirmed that the connection between hyperthyroidism and insulin resistance may be partly due to the compromised/reduced ability of glucose to increase glucose utilization in muscle tissue. Hyperthyroidism often slows down the metabolism, which, as a result, allows insulin to stay in the bloodstream for an extended duration. This shows that people with these two conditions (hyperthyroidism and diabetes) should opt for a lower dose of insulin as a treatment. 

The Thyroid and Blood Sugar: How do they affect each other?  

The thyroid gland takes responsibility for making hormones that are essential to regulate one’s metabolism. Whenever there is any imbalance in these hormones, this can, in turn, affect blood sugar levels in more than one way.

When the thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormone, it usually increases the metabolic process called lipolysis, in which the body's fats break down into serum fatty acids, and it also stimulates the release of insulin and glucagon. These effects, when combined, worsen glucose metabolism, leading to glucose intolerance and diabetes. 

Glucagon stands as a hormone that is produced by the pancreas whenever you experience hypoglycaemia, a condition wherein blood sugar levels are way too low. The pancreas stops releasing this hormone once the levels are in a healthy range. A 2016 study proved that an excess of glucagon can lead to the development of diabetes. 

Tips for Managing and Preventing Diabetes: 

Many studies have so far proven that it is possible to reverse or manage type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy & balanced diet, exercising regularly, and looking after weight. Follow the following tips if you are serious about preventing and managing type 2 diabetes:

• Incorporate exercise into your routine

• Avoid or cut back on smoking and alcohol

• Working closely with your doctor

• Eating a healthy diet

• Keeping an eye on blood sugar levels 

Tips for Managing Thyroid Disorders:

Treatment for thyroid disorders relies heavily on the type of thyroid disorder you are living with. There is currently no cure for overactive hyperthyroidism other than medications. You are primarily prescribed T4 replacement therapy to increase T4 levels, which, in turn, helps bring TSH into a healthy range. The following are seen as the best treatments for hyperthyroidism: 

• Beta blockers

• Radioactive iodine

• Antithyroid drugs

• Surgery 

Also Read: What’s the Cheapest Alternative to Jardiance? A Complete Guide

The Takeaway: 

A broad range of studies have so far established a strong connection between thyroid disorders and diabetes. Thyroid dysfunction holds a significant threat to insulin and blood sugar levels, which can cause the development of diabetes. Both thyroid disorders, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, are more prevalent or common in people with diabetes than in the general population. It is advised to consult a doctor if you have diabetes to know your risk of thyroid disorder and vice versa. Both conditions can be managed through a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet, daily exercise, and prescribed medication. Your medic will determine the right course of treatment based on your current health status and medical history.