Why does Diabetes cause fatigue?
One of the most frequent and annoying symptoms of diabetes is fatigue. Regardless of whether it is Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, most individuals complain of always feeling tired, slow, or even drained up mentally despite an entire night of sleeping.
How then does diabetes lead to fatigue?
The easy explanation: diabetes can alter the way your body converts energy and when you do not convert or distribute the energy appropriately, you become fatigued. But this is not the entire picture. A combination of physical, emotional and lifestyle conditions often causes fatigue associated with diabetes. In the blog, we are going to discuss the most important causes of diabetes fatigue, what it is like and what you can do to control it.
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Diabetes Signs and Symptoms
Blood Sugar Imbalances
People with diabetes get tired mainly because of unstable blood sugar levels.
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) means that too much glucose is in your bloodstream, but not enough enters your cells to give you the energy you need. The result? Your body develops a shortage of usable fuel.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when a lack of glucose in the blood makes you feel dizzy, weak, and drained.
This rollercoaster of energy is tiresome to both the body and the mind. When your blood sugar is moving up and down all day long you might be exhausted without even having done much.
What it feels like:
Lethargy, difficulty concentrating, yawning often, muscle weakness, irritability.
Insulin Resistance or Deficiency
In type 2 diabetes, your body does not react well to insulin, a hormone that aids in transferring sugar present in your blood into your cells. This is referred to as insulin resistance.
In type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce any insulin.
In both types, cells fail to utilize glucose as they should and this results in a shortage of energy and fatigue.
Imagine this: you have fuel (blood) that is circulating but the key (insulin) to open the door to the cell is absent or malfunctioning. Energy is literally all around your body, which you cannot use.
Inflammation and Hormonal Changes
Chronic inflammation is a typical characteristic of diabetes, particularly Type 2. Inflammation will influence the working of your cells and it may disrupt the usual production of energy.
Also, diabetes may affect your hormone levels such as cortisol, adrenaline, and serotonin levels, which are associated with mood and energy.
These imbalances within can initiate:
- Physical tiredness
- Mood swings
- The inability to be motivated or interested in everyday things
Poor Sleep Quality
Individuals with diabetes also have problems sleeping. The most usual reasons are:
- Blood sugar decline or rise at night time
- Frequent urination (and particularly when there is high blood sugar)
- Obstructive sleep apnea, that is more prevalent among individuals with Type 2 diabetes and overweight individuals
Sleeping poorly or not sleeping well at all means that your body and brain does not have a chance to relax and rest and you feel tired the following day.
Dehydration
Excessive blood sugar may result in excesses in urination that causes dehydration. In the case of dehydration:
- Thickening of your blood occurs
- It requires that your heart works harder to pump it
- Oxygen gets deprived in your muscles
All these cause fatigue, headaches, as well as weakness. Even dehydration with weak symptoms will leave you exhausted.
Stress and Diabetes Burnout
Managing diabetes is a full-time job. You are constantly keeping track of your food, medicines, blood sugar and exercising. This psychological burden accumulates and may result in diabetes distress or burnout, which is a feeling of emotional exhaustion caused by the burden of forced adaptations to life with the condition.
This chronic stress can:
- Increase your blood sugar level
- Disrupt your sleep
- Weaken your immune system
- Leave you exhausted both emotionally and physically
Other Medical Conditions
Fatigue in diabetes can also indicate complications or other conditions including:
- Anemia – low red blood cells translate to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity
- Thyroid problems – they tend to occur in individuals who have Type 1 diabetes
- Kidney disease – commonly a chronic complication of poorly managed diabetes
- Depression – diabetes doubles your risk
When not addressed, these problems may quietly exacerbate your energy levels.
Medications
Low blood sugar is a consequence of some diabetes drugs, especially insulin and sulfonylureas which results in fatigue.
Others such as metformin can lead to gastrointestinal problems or B12 vitamin deficiency with long-term use (which also drains the energy out of you).
When you think your medications are interfering with your energy levels, always consult with your doctor.
Lack of Physical Activity
Despite the fact that it might seem to be counterintuitive, a lack of exercise can leave you feeling fatigued. Exercise will make your cells more insulin-sensitive or energy-efficient.
Fear of blood sugar dips might cause people with diabetes to shun exercise, yet moderate exercise can:
- Enhance response to insulin
- Boost circulation and oxygen delivery
- Improve mood and sleep
- Reduce inflammation
Even a 20-30 minute walk each day can have a visible and positive effect.
How to Manage Diabetes-Related Fatigue
Having known what causes fatigue, here are the most practical things you can do to mitigate and control fatigue:
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Monitor your levels frequently and attempt to ensure that they are within your target range. Avoid spikes and crashes that result in energy dips.
Stay Hydrated
Sip on water as you go about your day, particularly when you have high blood sugar.
Eat Balanced Meals
Sugar crashes can be prevented by consuming complex carbs, healthy fat, as well as lean proteins. Focus on low-glycemic foods in order to stabilize energy.
Get Regular Exercise
To increase your energy level in the long run, strive to engage in moderate activities regularly.
Prioritize Sleep
Keep to a normal sleep schedule, establish a soothing bedtime regimen, and treat sleep apnea when it is suspected.
Manage Stress
Use stress-relieving methods such as deep breathing, journaling, meditation or visiting a therapist.
Review Your Medications
Talk to your doctor about side effects, possible interactions, or dosage adjustments.
Check for Underlying Conditions
In cases of fatigue despite good diabetes control, get thyroid testing, anemia, kidney function, and depression tests.
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Conclusion
Fatigue in diabetes is not just “in your head.” It is a rather complicated and physical symptom which has many roots both physical and emotional. The good news is: under proper care, diabetes-related fatigue can be reduced or even avoided altogether by many individuals.
Learn your body and monitor trends, and discuss things freely with your medical providers. You have the right to be awake and alert with a clear mind and to be in charge of diabetes, not the other way round.
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional and personalized medical advice. Always seek diagnosis and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider, which is specific to your own case.
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