Feeling Tired from Diabetes? Learn What You Can do About It

Constantly feeling extremely tired? Having trouble getting through even simple daily tasks because of fatigue?  If you have diabetes, Type 1 or 2, diabetes fatigue is a classic symptom, and it can have a profound effect on your quality of life. Constantly feeling tired from diabetes can make it more challenging to deal with your chronic illness.

Two clinicians even have proposed a condition, which they encountered in their practice, as diabetic fatigue syndrome (DFS). They define DFS as multifactorial syndrome of fatigue or easy fatigability occurring in diabetics.[1]

Signs of diabetes fatigue

Studies have shown that 85% of those with diabetes experience fatigue.[2]  Signs of diabetes and fatigue include:

·         Dizziness

·         Irritability

·         Headache

·         Problems concentrating

·         Difficulty remembering

·         Slow reflexes and muscle weakness

·         Low motivation

What causes diabetes fatigue?

Diabetes fatigue can be attributed to several factors.

Fluctuating blood sugar: The most common cause of diabetes and fatigue is high blood glucose or hyperglycemia. Excess glucose in the blood causes fatigue and weakness because the cells do not get enough glucose. Depriving your cells of energy makes you tired. Having high blood sugar also causes frequent urination, which leads to dehydration, which can make you feel tired.

Diabetic fatigue also may be the result of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. It is most common if you use insulin or take certain tablets to lower high blood sugar. Due to unexpected physical activity, eating too little food or drinking too much alcohol, you may think that you need less insulin than you thought, causing your blood sugar to drop too low.[3]

Underlying conditions and complications: Besides fluctuating blood sugar levels, underlying conditions and diabetes-related complications can make you tired from diabetes. Diabetes can cause longer-term complications such as heart, kidney, and liver damage, resulting in fatigue.

Also, high blood sugar over time decreases both blood flow and oxygen throughout the arteries, blood vessels, and veins. This may include oxygen flow and blood to important organs such as the heart and brain. A lack of oxygen, blood and nutrients can cause fatigue and brain fog. [4]

Stress:  Managing diabetes, including glucose testing, foot care, exercise, healthy eating, and taking medication, can be stressful. Feeling tired when dealing with stressful situations is common. Poor sleep quality is another factor contributing to diabetes and fatigue. A study found that 50% of people with Type 2 diabetes have sleep problems due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.[5]

Diabetes fatigue treatment is two-pronged

Fatigue can cause you to lose motivation to take care of your condition, including failing to check blood sugar regularly or skipping insulin dosages. Whether physical, emotional, or poor lifestyle choices, you need to reduce fatigue and regain energy.

To address diabetes fatigue, look at the problem in its entirety and not as two separate conditions. Diabetes fatigue treatment starts by managing the disease, which includes:

·         Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. Keep your blood sugar and A1C levels within a healthy range to prevent complications. The American Diabetes Association recommends the goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%.[6]

·         Limit carbohydrates and refined sugars.

·         Take all diabetes medications as prescribed by your doctor.

·         Seek appropriate treatment for any diabetes related conditions.

At the same time, explore the options to boost your energy level:

·         Get enough sleep and take naps.

·         Get out in the sunshine since vitamin D is good for you.

·         Regularly exercise. Even housework or doing the laundry is good.

·         Eat a healthy diet.

·         Manage stress: listen to music, start yoga, or meditate, spend time with friends.

·         Join a support group to get help from others.

Do not let diabetic fatigue impact lifestyle and management of the disease. Control your blood sugar levels and make the right choices for diet, exercise, and your mental health.