How Does Blood Sugar Affect The Thyroid? [e53fb2]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
Blood sugar levels play a crucial role in maintaining overall health, and this is especially true for our canine companions. A stable blood sugar range ensures that your dog's body functions properly, from regulating energy to supporting immune function. However, an abnormal blood sugar level can have severe consequences on your dog's well-being.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
An elevated blood glucose reading in dogs indicates hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Common signs of this condition include increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite adequate appetite, lethargy, and changes in skin texture. In some cases, it may be challenging to detect these symptoms, especially if they are mild.
The Role of Genetics
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in blood sugar regulation. Certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles tend to develop insulin resistance more frequently than others. Even with this risk factor present, proper diet and regular exercise can still help manage blood glucose levels.
Understanding the Blood Sugar Ranges for Dogs
While humans have an ideal blood glucose range of 70-120 mg/dL after a meal, dogs require different guidelines. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests that healthy adult dogs should maintain a postprandial (after eating) level between 60-110 mg/dL. Severe hyperglycemia occurs when levels exceed 250 mg/dL.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has high blood sugar, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive approach typically involves monitoring blood glucose levels regularly using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe insulin therapy or changes to the diet.
Maintaining Optimal Blood Sugar Levels
A stable blood sugar range can be achieved through regular exercise, which should not exceed 30 minutes in duration for most breeds. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and promotes efficient glucose utilization by your dog's cells. A well-balanced diet low in carbohydrates also helps regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
The Long-Term Risks of Unmanaged Hyperglycemia
Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to chronic complications, including kidney disease, cataracts, nerve damage (neuropathy), and impaired wound healing. It's crucial for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarian to prevent these long-term effects.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Your Dog
In addition to maintaining optimal blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, it is essential to provide your dog with psychological support. Changes in routine can cause stress, leading to spikes in blood glucose. Maintaining stability and consistency helps ensure that your canine companion leads the healthiest life possible.
Monitoring Progress Regularly
Stable blood glucose regulation requires ongoing monitoring of changes within your dog's body. Use a glucometer or CGM daily for most breeds or whenever symptoms appear after meals, allowing you to adjust feeding plans and schedules as needed.
Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial for ensuring the overall health and well-being of dogs.
#thyroid #bloodsugar #adrenalgland #carolstream #functionalmedicine #chiropractic How Are Blood Sugar And Thyroid Related? Diabetes and thyroid disease are closely linked. If you have hyperthyroidism, your insulin levels can drop and your blood sugar can rise, increasing the risk of diabetes. If you have hypothyroidism, the opposite can occur and what does high fasting blood sugar mean lead to bouts of low blood sugar. It's not uncommon for someone to have both thyroid disease and diabetes. In fact, if you have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, your risk of developing thyroid disease is increased. On the flip side, thyroid disease increases your risk of developing metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. The association is even stronger if you are overweight or obese. Abnormal thyroid function can alter how your body responds to insulin. An underactive thyroid may even contribute to low blood sugar levels. Thyroid Disease and Blood Sugar The thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck, plays a major role in regulating many of your body's functions, including metabolism (how your body uses energy). Because thyroid disease interferes with metabolism, blood sugar (glucose) that would otherwise be used for energy can instead start to accumulate. This increases your risk of diabetes, and it makes it harder to manage your blood sugar if you already have diabetes. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) is closely linked with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Hyperglycemia caused by thyroid disease can also contribute to metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of five conditions—high glucose, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and a large waist—that increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Untreated metabolic syndrome can progress to type 2 diabetes. Thyroid Disease and Insulin Thyroid disease can also interfere with the production of insulin. Insulin makes it possible for cells to use glucose for energy. This lowers blood sugar. Hyperthyroidism can contribute to insulin resistance. When you become resistant to insulin, your cells aren't able to use the glucose in your blood. As a result, blood glucose levels stay high. People with blood sugar 170 after 2 hours diabetes who need insulin shots may also find themselves needing higher doses. On the flip side, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) decreases metabolism. When this happens, insulin can linger, causing blood sugar to drop (hypoglycemia). For people on diabetes medications, the drop can sometimes be extreme, leading to dizziness, disorientation, and unconsciousness SEARCH on Dr. Jawad's Online Store Dr. Jawad's Online Supplement Dispensary-conditions apply. Visit my website: Can I help You? -Click the link to schedule Your consultation: www.totalwellnessdupage.com Email: [email protected] Dr. Jinaan Jawad 26W276 Geneva Road Suite C Carol Stream, IL 60188 630-653-2225 Visit Us: Facebook: Instagram: DR. JINAAN JAWAD D.C., DACNB, FACFN, FIAMA, CFMP Dr. Jawad is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Acupuncturist. In addition, a Diplomat for the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, Fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology as well as Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Any information on diseases and treatments available at this channel is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with questions you may blood sugar 140 a1c have regarding your medical condition. Although all measures are taken to ensure that the contents of the YouTube channel is accurate and up-to-date, all information contained on it is provided ‘as is’. We make no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained on this channel. Dr. Jinaan Jawad may at any time and at its sole discretion change or replace the information available on this channel. To the extent permitted by mandatory law, Dr. Jinaan Jawad shall not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content available on this channel, including viruses, regardless of the accuracy or completeness of any such content.