Hypothyroidism
Definition: Underactive thyroid
Symptoms:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Autoimmune disease where antibodies have an antagonistic effect on
thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin which causes the gradual
destruction of follicles in the thyroid gland
After treatment for hyperthyroidism
Drugs (such as amiodarone and lithium)
Iodine deficiency
Goitre produced
o To compensate for insufficient iodine and lack of thyroid
hormone, the thyroid becomes enlarged (before shrinkage)
Iodine obtained from diet - dairy, fish, seaweed; there is shortage in
third world countries (and vegans)
Treatment
Medication
o Levothyroxine -
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypothyroidism/prescribing-
information/levothyroxine/ [for information on adverse
effects and drug interactions]
Diabetes : Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent
hyperglycaemia (random plasma glucose more than 11 mmol/L) with disturbances of
carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin
action, or both.
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/diabetes-type-1/ [NICE guideline ref]
Type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an absolute insulin deficiency usually resulting from
autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Complications:
Microvascular complications — retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
Definition: Underactive thyroid
Symptoms:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Autoimmune disease where antibodies have an antagonistic effect on
thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin which causes the gradual
destruction of follicles in the thyroid gland
After treatment for hyperthyroidism
Drugs (such as amiodarone and lithium)
Iodine deficiency
Goitre produced
o To compensate for insufficient iodine and lack of thyroid
hormone, the thyroid becomes enlarged (before shrinkage)
Iodine obtained from diet - dairy, fish, seaweed; there is shortage in
third world countries (and vegans)
Treatment
Medication
o Levothyroxine -
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypothyroidism/prescribing-
information/levothyroxine/ [for information on adverse
effects and drug interactions]
Diabetes : Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent
hyperglycaemia (random plasma glucose more than 11 mmol/L) with disturbances of
carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin
action, or both.
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/diabetes-type-1/ [NICE guideline ref]
Type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an absolute insulin deficiency usually resulting from
autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Complications:
Microvascular complications — retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
