What causes fatigue in diabetes? In order to understand the cause of diabetic fatigue you must understand how the disease works. When a person has diabetes, their cells can no longer use insulin to intake glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream. Cells use glucose to create energy for our body to use. So, when this sugar is inaccessible to them, the body lacks energy. This causes diabetic fatigue.
Luckily, diabetic fatigue can be eliminated by taking your medications correctly and managing your blood sugar levels well. Losing excess weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising daily will keep your blood sugar levels from fluctuating and allow your body to process your blood sugar correctly. Taking time to relax, meditate, or practice breathing exercises will help to alleviate stress and keep blood pressure down too. This will also help you to avoid diabetic fatigue.
According to HumanlyExhausted.com, you should avoid artificial stimulants like coffee as well as taking energy supplements. They will only make you overly tired when they wear off. You may also become dependent on them over time. The website also recommends getting plenty of sleep, even trying to take a nap in the middle of the day if possible. Getting plenty of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is especially important. If you are having trouble sleeping, it is important to talk to your doctor about this, as proper rest is a large part of taking care of your body.
Chronic Diabetic Fatigue
Living with diabetes can be challenging enough, but unfortunately many diabetics have to live with chronic diabetic fatigue as well. If you are exercising daily, getting enough sleep, and keeping a well-balanced diet, yet you are still feeling fatigued, you should speak to your doctor. Other conditions such as hypothyroidism and depression are common among diabetics and may be contributing to you diabetic fatigue. These conditions can be treated with medications, so don’t make yourself suffer any longer than you have to.
The website eMaxHealth.com suggests drinking plenty of water to counter diabetic fatigue. Dehydration can cause diabetic fatigue and is a common problem in diabetes. Again, don’t drink caffeinated beverages, as they only contribute to your dehydration as well as your fatigue. The site recommends drinking at least 8 – 8 oz. glasses of water per day. You should also avoid alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol causes blood sugar levels to drop, possibly for over 8 hours, and gives you excess calories that can cause you to gain weight. Nicotine may make you feel better at first, but eventually leads to greater glucose intolerance and damages your cells.
