Fatigue and Glucose

Fatigue is excessive tiredness that makes carrying out simple tasks difficult and interferes with normal life functions.

There are various psychological factors, lifestyle issues, and chronic conditions, which cause fatigue. In this article we shall focus only on the relationship between fatigue and glucose.

You would have heard many diabetics say “I feel tired”, “I don’t have the energy to do this”, or “I just want some rest”.

And, therefore, you must have assumed it to be due to stress, improper sleep, or strenuous work but it could also be due to low or high sugar levels.

Diabetes and fatigue are strongly related. Studies have shown that 85% of those with diabetes experience fatigue.

Worry not, though, for we’re here to help you decode the role of fatigue in diabetes!

So, why does having diabetes cause fatigue?

There are many theories regarding why it occurs. Following are a few common ones.

1. Inflammation
   
   

   Diabetes causes inflammation, which sends messages to the brain that the body needs some rest in order to heal. When this happens, fatigue sets in.

2. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels
   
   

   Glucose is required by the cells to supply energy. Cells require insulin to help absorb glucose from the blood.  Glucose can build up in the blood if the cells do not take in enough of it.

   When the cells do not receive enough glucose, fatigue and weakness might occur.
   
   

3. Complications
   
   

   Studies have shown that people with diabetic complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney problems have increased levels of fatigue.
   
   

4. Stress
   
   

   Managing the disease and keeping sugar levels in the normal range results in stress which can lead to feeling fatigued.

Fatigue and Diabetes can put you into an endless loop. Tiredness sets in because of fatigue making the person lose motivation to take care of himself/herself.

It also leads to lack of exercise and poor dietary choices, which can make the person depressed, as a result of which the fatigue worsens.

This “vicious cycle” continues and eventually the person contracts complications from diabetes because their blood sugars are not under control.

What can you do to prevent this? 

Making a few small lifestyle changes is all you need to get fatigue under control. The following tips could help:

• Keep blood sugar levels in the normal range
• Get enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Take a power nap during the day
• Try to limit the stressors in your life
• Ask for help when needed
  
  

However, the first thing that needs to be done is to consult a physician to make sure that the causes of fatigue are not due to another issue.

How will Credo Health help with this?

We at Credo Health help you manage your diabetes with a personalized precision care plan to help break this vicious circle of “Fatigue and Diabetes”!