Hypothyroidism and Diabetes
We are always looking to share the truth behind chronic health conditions and empower you to take your wellness into your own hands. That’s why we had to shout out this eye-opening article by Forefront Health: "Hypothyroidism and Diabetes: How to Reverse It and Why Sugar Is NOT the Problem."
This article is a deep dive into something we’ve been saying: sugar isn’t the villain (read here) it’s made out to be. In fact, demonizing sugar might be doing more harm than good, especially if you’re dealing with thyroid issues, blood sugar imbalances, or both.
Thyroid & Blood Sugar:
The Vicious Cycle No One Talks About
If you’ve ever felt like your body is working against you: cold hands and feet, brain fog, stubborn weight, and a constant energy crash… you might be experiencing the ripple effects of hypothyroidism. And guess what? That ripple often turns into insulin resistance or full-blown type 2 diabetes if it goes unchecked.
Here is the truth from the article that really hit home:
“Diabetes is NOT a sugar disease.
It’s a dysfunction of the body’s ability to use sugar.”
The real issue isn’t the sugar itself, it’s the fact that your cells can’t access or use it properly, often because they’re blocked by an excess of free fatty acids, especially from the notorious polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs).
Sugar Isn't the Problem. PUFA Is.
Seed oils. Vegetable oil. Soybean oil. Corn oil. You’ll find them in almost every processed food, fast food item, and even so-called “health” snacks. We are constantly asking our readers to rid themselves of these PUFAs, as they are the silent saboteurs behind so many metabolic and hormonal issues.
When your body is stressed (and being hypothyroid is a huge stressor), it starts to release stored fat (particularly PUFA) into the bloodstream. That fat gets in the way of your cells’ ability to use glucose, creating a perfect storm of insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and yes… more stress.
It’s the Randle Cycle in action: fat and sugar competing for entry into the cells, and fat winning, while your body loses.
Why Low-Carb Isn’t Always the Hero
Low-carb and keto diets might seem like a quick fix for stabilizing blood sugar, but many people eventually crash, and crash hard.
We've seen this with clients and even friends:
First, blood sugar improves.
Then, the thyroid tanks.
Then, stress hormones surge.
The result? Insulin resistance worsens.
If your body can't get enough carbs, it starts breaking down your own tissue for energy. This causes a flooding in your system with cortisol and more free fatty acids. It’s like trying to save a burning house by lighting more fires.
Want to Take Action?
There are a few things you can do today to start reversing the cycle. Keep reading!
The Excel & Thrive Approach
Instead of starving the body of what it needs, we believe in rebuilding from the inside out. That starts with:
Bring fruit back. Yes, even orange juice. Yes, even bananas. Nourishing carbohydrates from fruit, root veggies, and fresh-squeezed juice are essential.
Ditch seed oils. If it says “canola,” “vegetable oil,” “soybean,” or “sunflower” etc… toss it. Avoid PUFA like the plague (check labels, skip the seed oils!)
Support your liver and thyroid with nutrient-dense, pro-metabolic foods. Liver, eggs, dairy, shellfish, bone broth. Eat real food that supports real healing.
Keeping blood sugar stable with frequent, balanced meals
Adding Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help block lipolysis and stop the flood of free fatty acids
Being kind to your metabolism, not over-stressing it with extreme diets or fasts
We love that the original article highlights Dr. Raymond Peat’s work: his research has changed how we approach thyroid and metabolic healing. It’s not about fear, it’s about understanding your body’s design and working with it, not against it.
🧡 And if you want our exact thyroid support stack, check out our favorites from Heart & Soil (we are proud affiliates because we believe in and use what they offer).
Diabetes isn’t as much about sugar, as it is about stress, thyroid function, and the hidden toxins in your diet. PUFA is the real problem, and carbs are part of the solution.
You were made to thrive, not to live in survival mode.