February 6, 2002
Thyroid
Question from Rome, Georgia, USA:
My nine year old daughter has had type�1 diabetes for two years, and today, we received the news that she has a thyroid problem which will require taking Synthyroid [a brand of synthetic thyroid hormone] once a day. Why is it common for people with diabetes to develop thyroid problems? Is it forever? Will the medicine have side effects? How will it help her?
Answer:
When someone has an autoimmune disorder such as type�1A diabetes, they are prone to have other autoimmune disorders. About one in five people with diabetes also have thyroid disease. It, too, is autoimmune and will destroy the thyroid gland. Once diagnosed, treatment is needed for life. Untreated, hair falls out, skin gets dry, women stop menstruating, little girls won’t develop. What we are doing is replacing a hormone that the body needs but can longer make, just like we replace missing insulin. So treat it.
LD
