It was previously believed that levothyroxine increased blood sugar if you already had diabetes or pre-diabetes, both of which are common complications of having an under active thyroid. There is now a theory that it may cause a rise in blood sugar in some non-diabetic patients. This, however, is based on a study of non-diabetic horses. I haven't yet found a study involving non-diabetic humans (still looking). There is also the possibility in non-diabetic humans that their blood sugar level before getting their thyroid treated was lower than it would have been without hypothyroidism and that the addition of thyroxine actually normalised levels. I guess more research needs to be done to find out if this is actually the case. I think at this stage there is not enough comprehensive data on this in non-diabetic patients to know if this is a risk but It is believed that not treating hypothyroidism means you are more likely to develop diabetes.
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes/insulin resistance you absolutely must monitor your blood sugar carefully on starting levothyroxine or changing dosage. Unfortunately, as yet, no one really knows the full implication on the health of non-diabetics. Bear in mind this isn't limited to levothyroxine. Blood sugar also rises on taking NDT. NDT STANDS FOR NATURAL DESSICATED THYROID. I stopped taking thyroxine for the last 2 weeks. My fasting sugar is now below 6. Today was 5 yesterday 5.3. This is the only variable that I changed. Before that I have reduced T4 from 75 to 50mcg but my fasting sugar was still high (over 6). Dr C said that I have metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and probably diabetes. I am determined to prove him wrong. 007999 - metabolic syndrome? How can that be proved, GlycoMode Daily Support or not? Are you taking any thyroid meds? Metabolic Syndrome is defined as a cluster of biochemical and physiological abnormalities associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and a type 2 diabetes.
In my case it manifested itself by high blood pressure, GlycoMode Daily Support raised fasting blood sugar, high cholesterol, weight gain. At this moment I do not take any thyroid meds as I want my adrenals to pick up first. However, as I also have Hashi so I pay attention to an autoimmune diet and stress (chemical, physiological and emotional). Thanks 007999 for explaining. I have this cluster too. If you are not converting the t4 to t3, you stay hypo, because of low t3 levels and develop type 2. But, with Hashi's especially, the inflammation can cause it. Hypo causes false high in A1c. I am sorry that i am tootired to find the links right now! I believe you are absolutely right. Well, big mistake EVER ! After I started taking it for A while I began vomiting. I had the worse most painful cramps I ever had in my entire life. So,during my next Dr's visit my blood glucose levels read 165 I did not understand (at that time) why and how it elevated so high so quickly.
Well none of those products helped at all. On my third Dr's visit my blood sugar levels went even higher its went up to 185 ! Not only that my blood pressure was high too ! I asked him what was going on with my blood sugar and pressure he acted as so he didn't know as if it was my fault ! Well overtime my muscles was still cramping and tightening my blood sugar levels In a years time went from 104 to 303 ! I began to notice heavy urination whenever I ate a carb snack or two.. I decided to completely get off of it. I am now on a detox trying to get my system cleanse from that crap plus losing the weight so my blood sugar and pressure can breathe again ! If you want my advise Levothyroxine is just pure deadly poison.. There has also been testimonials of people developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome using this drug.. Right now I am taking trace minerals to help nurish my body even though I dont have a thyroid I still believe that giving your body the right nutrition of vitamins and nutrients is the key.. I am a living witness that Levothyroxine can elevate blood sugar in non diabetic patients ! I have had a cough for 8 years that no doctor has ever been able to diagnose (and believe me I have seen them all!) - guess what?