Q: I have Type 2 diabetes with the added complication of an underactive thyroid and high cholesterol. The amount of medication I take is pretty hefty. I am overweight and constantly tired. I go to the gym for gentle workouts, but have to lie down to rest afterwards. I need some advice on managing all three conditions together. Can you point me in the right direction?

A: It is common to have both diabetes and a thyroid disorder, in that if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop thyroid conditions and vice versa.

The level of thyroxine you are taking not being sufficient and/or your diabetes control being poor may cause the chronic tiredness you describe. Both diabetes control and your level of thyroxine need to be checked regularly to ascertain this.

The cholesterol level aimed for in somebody with diabetes is lower than that in the general population, which is possibly why you have been prescribed medication.

It is important that you have seen a state registered dietitian in order that your diet can be assessed. This, in turn, is likely to lead to you losing weight and lowering your cholesterol.

With all your conditions under control you should start to feel better.