Does abnormal thyroid function affect blood sugar levels?
Feb 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
In general, abnormal thyroid function may affect blood glucose levels. When thyroid function is impaired, excessive thyroid hormones may be secreted, promoting the breakdown of liver glycogen and increasing glucose production. Thyroid hormones can also affect insulin secretion and action, leading to insulin resistance, where insulin is no longer effective in lowering blood glucose levels, resulting in elevated blood glucose.
Generally, abnormal thyroid function may affect blood glucose levels. The specific analysis is as follows:
When thyroid function is abnormal, excessive secretion of thyroid hormones may promote the breakdown of liver glycogen, increasing glucose production. Thyroid hormones can also affect insulin secretion and action, leading to insulin resistance—in which insulin cannot effectively lower blood glucose—thus elevating blood glucose levels. Additionally, excessive thyroid hormone secretion increases the body's metabolic rate, requiring more energy and accelerating glucose utilization and consumption, which may also raise blood glucose levels.
If there is insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones, long-term hypothyroidism may also impact glucose metabolism, causing abnormalities in blood glucose levels. Therefore, in cases of hypothyroidism, abnormal thyroid function can also have a certain impact on blood glucose levels.
It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as balanced nutrition and appropriate exercise, which can also help manage blood glucose and thyroid function.
