Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid

[crazyone4u]

My aunt who is 52 years has been battling Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid.  She has been taking heart medicene.  She has been seeing an endoc dr. for about 5 years and recently switched to another doctor about 6 months ago.  She gains weight and loses weight depending on her thyroid.  She has had radioacivity on her thyroid. ( This is what she told me--I'm not sure how it works.) The doctor has taken her off her medicene again.  This happens all the time.  She was also told last week that she is pre-diabetes?  Has anyone heard of this?  She is getting stressed?  She is going to the doctor all the time.  Does diabetes and thyroid run hand in hand?   Help??????

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The diabetes and thyroid are not likely directly linked in this case - both common endocrine disorders, but thyroid dysfunction can worsen glucose control in diabetics and hyperthyroidism especially worsens insulin resistance (diabetes).

She may have not had a full-response to the radioactive iodine and is becoming hyper again.  Another dose of RAI or surgery to remove the thyroid may be needed as definitive treatment.  May be worth a second endocrine opinion to sort out the options.

[tajunione]

Look up information on the endocrine system.