My daughter has had diabetes for almost seven years and recently has developed an overactive thyroid. Since having the thyroid problem, she has been very ill. She has been admitted to the hospital twice and on the last occasion, they were concerned that she would not make it.

Since she has had the thyroid issue, her health has deteriorated. Are the two illnesses are complicating each other? She has had her insulin amount increased and also her medication for the thyroid increased, but I’m concerned that the same thing will happen again. If the two complaints do complicate things together, then, what long term damage is done to her?

The relationship between thyroid disease and diabetes is complex. The two are usually caused by a similar mechanism, i.e. autoimmune damage where the body turns against a part that has previously been recognized as “self”. Because thyroid hormone is fundamental, it has a profound effect upon blood glucose levels when someone has diabetes and is unable to adjust insulin output themselves. High thyroid hormone levels are associated with high sugars and a requirement for more insulin and the opposite is also true. Until your daughter’s thyroid is “under control,” it is likely that her diabetes will be difficult to manage. However, the outlook is excellent. You don’t say where she is being managed, but it is important that she sees a specialist in pediatric endocrinology.

KJR