The thyroid and diabetes

Abstract

This chapter describes the relationship between the thyroid and the intestinal absorption of sugars. The thyroid hormone both selectively and specifically increases the intestinal rate of absorption of dextrose, galactose, starch and oleic acid. Injection of thyroxine produces the same effect in thyroidectomized, in hypophysectomized and in normal white rats. Conversely, thyroidectomy decreases the intestinal rate of absorption of glucose and galactose. There is an increase in blood sugar after oral administration of glucose and, at the end of the first half hour, levels are higher in hyperthyroid caser than in normal subjects. The return to normal blood sugar is slower in hyperthyroidism, though faster than in diabetes. In hyperthyroidism, blood sugar becomes normal in two hours after administration of the sugar. Administration of thyroid gland or injection of thyroxine produces a marked decrease of glycogen in numerous species of animals, but no data are available concerning man. It is found that in rabbits treated with thyroid, the hyperglycemic action of adrenalin is increased at first, but it becomes subnormal as treatment continues and is followed by a fatal secondary hypoglycemia.