Diabetes mellitus: Information from the endocrinologist (Mainz)

MAINZ: The expert for Mainz: metabolic diseases Prof. Christian Wüster, MD, who treats patients from the Rhine-Main region in his practice in Mainz, recommends regular thyroid examinations for diabetics. The background to this recommendation is the fact that hormonal imbalances in the thyroid and pancreas influence each other. This interaction is based on the fact that diabetics are often not sufficiently supplied with iodine. However, the thyroid gland is dependent on an adequate supply of iodine in order to maintain its hormone production. Statistically speaking, diabetics are more likely to suffer from kidney disease, which in turn can lead to increased excretion of iodine via the urine. This can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge.

Endocrinologist (Mainz): Diabetes can subsequently lead to thyroid disease

Type I diabetes in particular, which is an autoimmune disease, is often characterised by an immunologically induced thyroid disease as well as osteoporosis. ‘Regular examinations, preferably once a year, are important for diabetes patients in order to effectively prevent any further influence on the hormone balance in addition to the existing disruption of insulin production in the pancreas,’ recommends Prof Dr Christian Wüster.

In his everyday practice in Mainz, the endocrinologist has also noticed an increase in diabetes, which leads to problems with the thyroid gland. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people suffering from diabetes will double in the next 20 years.

How thyroid dysfunction and diabetes are linked

Diabetes mellitus not only affects the body’s iodine supply. An unfavourable metabolic setting in type 1 and type 2 diabetics also has a direct effect on the thyroid hormones. The hormone triiodothyronine is particularly affected. ‘The body reacts with a kind of protective response and reduces hormone production,’ explains Prof Dr Christian Wüster. If the metabolism is poorly adjusted due to diabetes, the thyroid gland also suffers. At the same time, hyperthyroidism can lead to a reduction in the effect and release of insulin in the pancreas. Hyperthyroidism reduces the need for insulin and at the same time increases sensitivity to insulin. As a result, the blood sugar level drops and there is a risk of hypoglycaemia. ‘Overall, it can be said that diabetes makes the treatment of thyroid problems more difficult. This makes close medical monitoring all the more important,’ advises Prof Wüster.

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