Hyperthyroidism is a condition that is associated with an overactive thyroid gland. An overactive thyroid gland produces excess amounts of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones stimulate insulin production and function. When the pancreas secretes excessive amounts of insulin, more nutrients are burned and metabolism increases. This normally results in excessive weight loss.
Insulin
The pancreas produces insulin in response to the presence of glucose in the bloodstream following food consumption. Insulin binds to cell receptors, which results in glucose transporters moving from the inside of the cells to the cell membranes. Once embedded in the cell membranes, glucose transporters can transport glucose into the cells. Here it can convert to energy or to glycogen, a stored form of glucose.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is associated with an excess production of thyroid hormones. As thyroid hormones regulate insulin production, an excess of thyroid hormones will lead to increased insulin production. This will cause cells to metabolize more nutrients. If glucose is not present in the bloodstream, the body will break down its own fatty tissue and protein from muscle and connective tissue and convert it to glucose for the cells to use.
Consequences of Hyperthyroidism
Because hyperthyroidism increases cell metabolism and causes body tissue to break down, hyperthyroidism results in a loss of fatty tissue and protein-rich tissue. It can also lead to Graves' disease, a condition of the eyes in which the eyes bulge out. In some cases, an overactive thyroid unpredictably goes into a hyper-production mode, which sends a potentially lethal surge of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream.
Treatments of Hyperthyroidism
The common way to treat hyperthyroidism and excess insulin production that results from this condition is to use anti-thyroid medicine on a temporary basis. This will temporarily calm down the thyroid gland. In some cases, it can permanently treat hyperthyroidism. Because of the potential lethal consequences of hyperthyroidism, doctors do not prescribe anti-thyroid medicine as a permanent treatment form. If the thyroid gland is still overactive after a trial period, the gland is removed surgically or destroyed with radioactive iodine. This results in hypothyroidism, but this condition is not immediately life-threatening and can be controlled through dietary changes or with synthetic T3 thyroid hormone.
