Question from Philippines:

I am exhausted. Recent tests at a local clinic came back with a glucose level of 139 mg/dl [7.7 mmol/L] and elevated cholesterol. I am overweight at 5 feet, 2 inches, 200 pounds, but do work out regularly and just cannot seem to lose weight. I was taking 300 mcg of Eltroxin, but the cardiologist lowered it as it was effecting my heart. I am just not sure what tests I should get now, or where to look to explore what is wrong, but I am dizzy and very tired all the time. The doctor is having me try a no sugar, no salt, no canned food diet. I rarely eat any fatty or fried foods and do not eat cakes, candy or cookies. Should I be checking into something else?

The following is an abbreviated medical history: diagnosed with Connective Tissue Disease in 1991; Graves’ disease seven years ago; had radio-isotope therapy and on 200 mcg of Eltroxin daily now; bone density tests and x-rays showed considerable bone loss in February 2005; Raynaud’s syndrome 1991; and Chronic Non-A, Non-B, Non-C, hepatitis; and pre-cancer of the cervix, so I had cryotherapy. Furthermore, since living in the tropics, I have had malaria multiple times, dengue fever twice, an amoeba infection, and typhoid.