11/09/2026
The Thyroid - Diabetes Connection
Let's talk about it...
The Thyroid Gland. You've probably been in a primary care setting and heard the words "hypothyroidism" or "hyperthyroidism". Most of the time all we know is "it doesn't work right", but actually, this little gland makes MASSIVE effects on our bodies.
The Thyroid gland is controlled by a tiny portion of our brain called the Hypothalamus. Think of it like the big boss telling the manager, "hey the body says you need some hormones". The thyroid then produces T3/T4 hormones to send out to various organ systems to tell them to "get to work".
These hormones affect things like metabolism, energy levels, brain function, cardiac function, muscle strength, bone development, growth, body temperature, and even the reproductive system! They balance on a delicate scale to tell the body how much work to do.
Have you ever heard people describe themselves as "hot-natured" or "cold-natured"?
The term Hypothyroid means the thyroid produces too little. Our bodies are "stuck in the mud". We often feel this in the form of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling "cold-natured".
On the other hand, the term Hyperthyroid means it is producing too much. Think "my body is in overdrive". This reflects as anxiety, weight loss, and "hot-natured".
Everyone's bodies function uniquely but a proper thyroid panel is essential to understand how your body is working for itself.
Now let's get to the juicy part: The relationship of Type 2 diabetes and the Thyroid Gland
The Thyroid and Type-2 Diabetes work in a "Bi-directional cycle". This means that you have to have a proper working thyroid to prevent Type-2 Diabetes and you have to control your blood sugar to keep your thyroid working properly and let the rest of your body work properly too!
Thyroid dysfunction often leads to insulin resistance, which means your body isn't going to burn off the glucose (sugar) properly and hold on to it.. It also leads the body to storing fat, and who in the world wants that?
Likewise, insulin resistance blocks the release of thyroid hormones, eventually creating a toxic effect. That's just not good for the rest of your body.
So how are you ever going to get that A1C right if your thyroid isn't working properly?
A few tips and tricks: Control Your Diabetes and Support your Thyroid health:
- Timing is everything: taking your thyroid medications such as levothyroxine, (Synthroid) must be timed properly with breakfast, caffeine or supplements containing iron, calcium, or antacids or it will not work to its full potential
- Exercise: taking a brisk 10-15 minute walk after large meals uses your body's mechanical process to break down blood sugar and prevent post meal spikes
- Diet: focus on carbohydrate pairing. meal sequencing, and whole foods to control blood sugar.
- Key Micronutrients: Selenium, Zinc, Iron, Vitamin D, B12, and Iodine.
- Controlling Inflammation to prevent oxidative stress that leads to insulin resistance
- Managing Stress & Sleep
With wellness coaching provided by our licensed and certified providers, we can help you understand what this means for your overall wellness journey and help come up with an individualized wellness plan that works together with your primary care to let your mind, body, and soul get back to performing for you!
Message us here at Holistic Mississippi or Holistic Mercantile to schedule your consultation appointment focusing on whole body wellness, developing an action plan that fits your lifestyle, and having 2 week check-ins so you can stay on track!
Right now we are offering $50 initial consultations for the remainder of September, and $25 follow-ups until the end of the year!
Start now on your Holistic Journey to restore your health naturally.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your primary care provider before changing your health routine or medications. Holistic Mississippi LLC is not liable for actions taken based on this content.
