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. 2011:2011:152850.
doi: 10.4061/2011/152850. Epub 2011 Sep 19.

Why can insulin resistance be a natural consequence of thyroid dysfunction?

Gabriela Brenta  1
Affiliations

Why can insulin resistance be a natural consequence of thyroid dysfunction?

Gabriela Brenta. J Thyroid Res. 2011.

Abstract

Evidence for a relationship between T4 and T3 and glucose metabolism appeared over 100 years ago when the influence of thyroid hormone excess in the deterioration of glucose metabolism was first noticed. Since then, it has been known that hyperthyroidism is associated with insulin resistance. More recently, hypothyroidism has also been linked to decreased insulin sensitivity. The explanation to this apparent paradox may lie in the differential effects of thyroid hormones at the liver and peripheral tissues level. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of thyroid hormones in glucose metabolism and analyze the mechanisms whereby alterations of thyroid hormones lead to insulin resistance.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Effects of thyroid hormones on glucose metabolism in euthyroid (solid lines), hyperthyroid (rough-dashed lines), and hypothyroid conditions (fine-dashed lines). TH: thyroid hormones.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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