What is Diabetes Fatigue?
One of the major symptoms or conditions associated with diabetes is fatigue. These two medical dilemmas are oftentimes linked to each other as they are caused by either increasing or decreasing levels of the body’s blood sugar. While it may be very challenging and overwhelming to treat these two conditions, there are easier ways to mitigate and alleviate the effects of these health concerns.
As what is already known, diabetes refers to a condition where the body is incapable of using or producing enough insulin. This phenomenon can cause the body’s blood glucose levels to spike and bring about hyperglycemia. When this occurs, the body experiences different feelings and sensations. And one of these sensations is noted as fatigue.
When we say fatigue, it doesn’t mean being tired or weak. Note that when an individual is tired, a few hours of rest can immediately ease this feeling; however, this does not apply to fatigue. The exhaustion or feebleness caused by being tired does not cover what fatigue really means. Fatigue refers to a sensation where a few hours of sleep or rest does not solve. It can be caused by repeated stress, illness, or even chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
Learn how deeply associated fatigue is with diabetes. Here, you will also know the correlative signs and symptoms of the said bodily sensation. Read on.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of this Condition?
Just like other signs of illness, fatigue is also associated with different symptoms in line with a diabetes diagnosis. What are they? Consider the following:
- Physical exhaustion
- Extreme tiredness
- Unexplained weariness
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Lethargy
- Lack of energy
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Stress
- Sleepiness
Some of the symptoms mentioned above are also similar to the onset of diabetes or even when episodes of diabetes attacks happen. To give you a full list of the symptoms of diabetes, consider the following:
- Urgent need to urinate
- Extreme thirst and hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Numbness of the hands and feet
- Inflammation of the muscles
- Stomach ache
- Mild to severe headache
While some of the mentioned symptoms do not necessarily connect to fatigue, they still add to the discomfort and afflictions that diabetic individuals experience. Eventually, these symptoms can still progress and unfold sensations of fatigue.
Note that when you experience fatigue, make sure that you can easily contact your healthcare professional as this feeling can complicate. Receive the necessary medical care as fatigue is already categorized as a severe reaction of spiking blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Fatigue Causes
As mentioned, diabetes is considered the main culprit as to why fatigue happens. Here is a more detailed explanation of why the condition is noted to bring about extreme exhaustion, such as fatigue.
- When blood sugar levels in the body constantly change
- Other than dizziness or headache, there are other signs of illnesses related to diabetes that provoke fatigue
- The emergence of different health complications induced by diabetes
- Other than physical concerns, fatigue can also develop through mental and emotional concerns
- Obesity or overweight
Besides diabetes, there are other factors that cause fatigue to occur. Note that these factors are based on thousands of individuals who have already been diagnosed with diabetes. Consider the following:
- Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression
- Unable to sleep normally
- Malfunction of the kidney
- Adverse reactions to consumed drugs or medicines
- Hypothyroidism
- Frequent fasting
- Malnutrition
- Inflammation in different parts of the body.
While there are other diseases that can cause fatigue to occur, diabetes is considered one of the most chronic and dangerous. Regardless of the type of diabetes that an individual has, making sure that the condition will not get worse is necessary.
Diabetes Complications Associated with Fatigue
Without proper treatment, diabetes can be complicated and cause other health dilemmas to happen. Most of the health complications associated with diabetes are related to different organs of the body. These organs include the heart, liver, and kidney. Here is more detailed information on the diabetes complications associated with fatigue.
- Malfunction of the kidney
- Development of different infections and illnesses
- Heart problems
- Damage involving the nerves (neuropathy)
- Problems involving the eyesight
- Depression and anxiety
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypoglycemia
- Gastroparesis
- Dental decay
- Diseases involving the gums and mouth
These complications can be treated as long as diabetes is also being treated. Note that these complications will not happen only if the underlying condition is provided medical treatment. Even amidst the disease, an individual must ensure he/she is receiving the necessary medical care so that complications will not emerge. It will also prevent the need to observe more medical therapies!
Diabetes Management and Treatment
Managing diabetes also involves the prevention of different health complications and symptoms, such as fatigue. Doing the right thing after a diabetes diagnosis can greatly help in controlling the diseases, ensuring that the illness will not get worse.
In diabetes management, there are a lot of ways that a patient can do. First, follow the required insulin medication. This medication is taken regularly, which assists in balancing the levels of blood glucose. Monitoring the blood sugar levels every day is also one way to know the right amount of insulin to take.
Aside from taking the medications, living a healthy lifestyle is also necessary. What are the activities or actions included in this kind of lifestyle? First, you need to only eat nutritious food. Part of diabetes management is minimizing the consumption of sugary foods. Choose the type of foods that are rich in fiber and protein. It also means avoiding carbs.
Apart from food consumption, getting physically fit is also recommended. You do not need to have a perfect body. Just exercise regularly and practice proper sleep hygiene. Furthermore, conduct a regular visit to the healthcare professional to know how your condition progresses.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Fatigue in diabetes goes beyond normal tiredness and can seriously affect daily life. Here’s what you can do to manage it:
- Monitor Blood Sugar: Regularly check your blood sugar levels.
- Follow Treatment: Stick to your prescribed insulin and medications.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and high in fiber and protein.
- Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity.
- Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you are getting adequate rest.
- Routine Medical Care: Visit your doctor regularly to prevent or manage complications.
Working closely with your healthcare providers will help you manage diabetes-related fatigue and improve your overall well-being.
