Many people with diabetes often feel unusually tired, even after getting plenty of sleep or rest.
This feeling, known as chronic fatigue, can make daily life harder and reduce the energy needed for important tasks.
Researchers have been studying the link between diabetes and fatigue, and the evidence shows that this connection is real and caused by a mix of physical and emotional factors.
Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels. For people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin, a hormone needed to control blood sugar.
In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough of it. Either way, high or fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms like fatigue.
When blood sugar is too high, it can affect energy levels. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy, but when there isn’t enough insulin to help it enter cells, the energy can’t be used efficiently. This leads to feelings of tiredness and sluggishness.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that people with poor blood sugar control reported higher levels of fatigue compared to those with stable blood sugar levels.
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also trigger fatigue. This can happen if diabetes medication or insulin lowers blood sugar too much, leaving the body without enough energy to function. Symptoms like shakiness, confusion, and weakness often accompany this tiredness.
Inflammation is another factor. Chronic inflammation is common in people with diabetes and can worsen fatigue. Research from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that high levels of inflammatory markers in the blood are linked to both diabetes and feelings of extreme tiredness.
Inflammation can affect how the body uses energy and even interfere with sleep, making the problem worse.
Sleep problems are common in people with diabetes and contribute to fatigue. Conditions like sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts during sleep, are more likely in those with diabetes, especially if they are overweight.
Poor sleep quality from conditions like this means waking up feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night’s sleep.
Mental health also plays a role in the connection between diabetes and fatigue. Living with a chronic condition can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which are known to cause or worsen fatigue.
A study in Diabetic Medicine reported that nearly half of people with diabetes experienced significant fatigue, and many of them also had symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle factors can add to the problem. Lack of exercise, poor diet, and dehydration—all common challenges for people with diabetes—can drain energy levels further.
Exercise, though it may feel difficult when you’re tired, has been shown to reduce fatigue in the long run by improving blood sugar control and boosting mood.
Managing diabetes-related fatigue starts with controlling blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring, sticking to a healthy diet, and taking medications as prescribed are essential.
Exercise can help, even if it’s just a short daily walk, as it improves energy and reduces inflammation. Ensuring good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed, can also make a big difference.
If fatigue persists, it’s important to talk to a doctor. They can check for underlying issues like sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems, all of which can contribute to tiredness.
Mental health support, such as counseling or stress management techniques, can also help people cope with the emotional burden of diabetes.
In summary, chronic fatigue is a common but manageable issue for people with diabetes. It’s caused by a combination of blood sugar fluctuations, inflammation, sleep disturbances, and emotional stress.
By addressing these factors, many people can regain energy and improve their quality of life. Recognizing that this fatigue is part of the condition, not a personal failing, is an important step toward finding solutions and feeling better.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing eggs in a plant-based diet may benefit people with type 2 diabetes.
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