Question about Levthyroxine

[grannysmaa]

I was diagnosed as being pre-diabetic after a fasting blood sugar of 106 and a HGA1C at 6.5. I have been treating this with diet alone for the past year and after losing 20 pounds I had reduced the HGA1C to 6.1 and fasting BS under 99. I began having symptoms of hypothyroidism and the doctor tested me. My TSH level was 4.5 and my anti-microsomal antibodies showed a level of 632. The doctor said I had Hashimotos Thyroiditis and put me on .50 of Levthyroxine. When I went  back for a 3 month checkup she increased the Levthyroxine to .75 Since I have been taking this medication my blood sugars are way out of wack. My doctor put me on 500 mg of Metformin once per day when the AC1 test came back at 6.4 . Since starting the Metformin  when I test periodically during the day it has been as high as 156 4 hours after a meal and between 108 and 130 upon waking. My question is...could the Levthyroxine be making me become diabetic? I have never had these high of levels and I am eating better than ever, exercising and not able to lose a pound!! Also since starting the Metformin my legs below the knees burn constantly. Could this be a side effect of the medication? I have felt terrible since starting both of these drugs. Help!

[stella5349]

If you read the post Did you know...... DLA posted on that - she is a huge diabetic/ hypothyroid and can give you a world of information. She would love to help you. Instant message her. She's so loving and wonderful :)

[stella5349]

No problem -

but I believe from what I read it increases the sugar level. I read about it on the hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

the web site I provided is very user friendly and pretty informative.

[grannysmaa]

Thanks for the info, I have been surfing the net trying to find anything on the thyroid meds and the effects on blood sugar and it does say that it can affect it and to contact your doctor. However it doesn't say if it affects it by making it higher or lower. So confusing! I'm new to this forum so sorry for a dual posting. I was trying to ask the doctor in his forum but must have bounced back to this one in error.
Thanks again!

[stella5349]

I do not know much about the combination being a diabetic and hypothyroid (Hashi) but I do know all the auto immune components connect with each other and depending on your genetics many off sets can occur. and found the information I looked up - the answer would be YES there is problems with taking these two Rx's together.

I found this short section on about.com that may be helpful for you:
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Autoimmune Diseases. People with many autoimmune diseases have a higher risk for hypothyroidism. Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes poses a higher risk and is a special problem since hypothyroidism can affect insulin requirements. Women with other autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis, are also at higher risk for hypothyroidism. Pregnant women with autoimmune conditions have a 25% risk for hypothyroidism during gestation.
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This, to me, suggests that since your doctor has added Levo to your daily med list - you could being experiencing side effects with your diabetic condition.  Hense also throwing your TSH and sugar levels out of whack.

Here are the side effects off your med Metformin and what meds interact with it. Please note Thyroid meds are in the list regarding interactions. This was found on drugs.com search Metformin
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Symptoms:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

swelling or rapid weight gain; or

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache or muscle pain;

weakness; or

mild nausesa, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.
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What other drugs will affect metformin?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking metformin with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

isoniazid;

diuretics (water pills);

steroids (prednisone and others);

phenothiazines (Compazine and others);

thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others); (this is a form of Levthyroxine)

birth control pills and other hormones;

seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and

diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.
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I do not know what the solution would be for you but I would call you doctor an discuss this. Also you should do a little searching on your individual condition before you call and speak to your physician about that too.

Good Luck