Early Signs of Thyroid Issues in Diabetic Patients You Shouldn't Ignore

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tom Babu, Consultant Diabetologist & Endocrinologist - Written by Riya Yacob - Updated on 12/04/2025

If you are a diabetic patient, it’s important to pay attention to any new or unusual symptoms. However, not all symptoms are specific or directly linked to one condition. Fatigue, hair fall, and sleepiness are common and can be caused by various health issues. These are not just diabetes and thyroid symptoms. Diabetes and thyroid symptoms involve a dysfunction of the endocrine system. Thyroid disorders can have a major impact on glucose control, and untreated thyroid disorders affect the management of diabetes in patients. In this blog, we will discuss the early signs of thyroid issues in diabetic patients that you shouldn’t ignore. 

Common but Confusing Symptoms

According to studies, diabetes and thyroid disorders tend to exist at the same time in patients. Fatigue, excessive hair fall, and fatigue are some of the symptoms experienced by many people. These are called non-specific symptoms because they can happen with many conditions, including stress, poor sleep, or vitamin deficiencies. People may also experience depression, mood swings, digestive issues, weight changes, etc. 

While these signs need to be considered, they don’t always point directly to a thyroid problem or a diabetes complication.

Diabetes and Thyroid Symptoms

Thyroids may be small, but they are powerhouses for hormone production. The thyroid gland produces two essential hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Many vital bodily functions are controlled by these hormones, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature regulation, brain development, digestion, as well as mental well-being. A dysfunctional thyroid can produce too much or too little hormone, disrupting the balance of your body (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism).

When it comes to thyroid disorder in diabetes, some signs are more noticeable and specific. For instance, if you notice swelling in your legs or a lump in your neck, these could be signs of a thyroid disorder. In some cases, thyroid issues can also lead to poor blood sugar control, making it harder to manage diabetes. If you are experiencing the symptoms for more than a week, it is important to consult a doctor. Some of the symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore are as follows:

• Sudden weight changes
• Hair loss 
• Skin changes
• Mood swings
•  Depression
• Intolerance to hot or cold temperatures
• Swelling at the base of your neck 
• Menstrual changes
• Digestive issues
• Heart rate irregularities

Thyroid problems in diabetic patients are more common than many people realize. If you already have type 2 diabetes, you may have a higher risk of developing thyroid disorders. Both conditions affect metabolism, which can lead to complications like high cholesterol levels. When your thyroid isn't functioning properly, it can be harder to control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

This is why it’s important to be aware of diabetes and thyroid symptoms. You might not immediately connect a swollen leg or high cholesterol with your thyroid, but in diabetic patients, these signs can be linked.

Get Your Thyroid Checked

If you have diabete and you’re struggling with cholesterol or experiencing unusual symptoms like swelling or neck lumps, it’s better to check your thyroid function. Managing thyroid disorder in diabetes is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing complications.

Diabetes and thyroid conditions can overlap, and the symptoms can be tricky to identify. By staying informed and regularly monitoring your health, you can catch problems early and take steps to manage them effectively. Don’t ignore symptoms just because they seem common. Talk to your doctor and consider a thyroid check-up, especially if managing your diabetes has become more challenging.

As the best diabetes hospital in Kochi, Silverline has a dedicated team of endocrinologists, thyroid specialists, and diabetologists. Diabetes at any level can be diagnosed and managed with our highly best diabetologists. Being a highly specialized centre for Thyroid treatment in Kerala, we deal with all types of thyroid disorders. Get in touch with Silverline Hospital if you have any questions or need consultation.