Managing Extreme Fatigue and Chronic Tiredness in Individuals with Diabetes - Dr Venit Rose G

Diabetes itself can cause extreme tiredness and fatigue as well. Sometimes frequent fluctuations in blood sugar levels like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia can cause chronic fatigue and tiredness as well.

Tiredness with profuse sweating is a sign of hypoglycemia and that helps in treating hypoglycemia in a period of short interval. Identifying hypoglycemia and treating it at the correct time prevents neuroglycopenia and seizures. The cause of hypoglycemia could be because of the drugs/combination of drugs, infection, or because of not taking food at the right time.

Hyperglycemia (sugars more than 250 mg/dl) can cause dizziness and can present as chronic fatigue. The hyperglycemia could be because of poor control, poor drug compliance and no regular follow-up with bad dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and drinking etc.

So, these fluctuations in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can cause chronic fatigue and tiredness. There can be other associated conditions and illnesses that can cause chronic fatigue along with diabetes like hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiencies, vitamin B12 deficiency, and magnesium and calcium deficiencies. Micronutrient deficiencies can be corrected by medications and some can be corrected by injections. Checking those values plays a pivotal role in fatigue and tiredness.

The complication of uncontrolled diabetes itself plays a major role in fatigue and tiredness. As we all know uncontrolled diabetes can lead to microvascular and microvascular complications like diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy and skin changes. Diabetic neuropathy presenting as chronic pain and muscle weakness can cause extreme fatigue and tiredness.

Sometimes, diabetic heart disease can just present with tiredness and those can be ruled out only with ECG and echo.

Dehydration, depression, stress, sleep disturbance and inactive lifestyle can cause extreme tiredness and fatigue.

To overcome chronic fatigue and extreme tiredness

Introducing lifestyle changes

Poor lifestyle choices for diabetes patients contribute to further complications. So, the first step towards combating diabetes fatigue is by introducing tangible lifestyle changes. Positive lifestyle changes also help with weight management, crucial for overweight or obese type-2 diabetes patients. According to ADA, regular exercise is associated with optimal glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.

Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene

One of the most common triggers of diabetes fatigue is poor sleep quality. So, practising good sleeping habits is a way to manage the symptoms and overcome them in the long run.

We suggest getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep to let the body relax and recover throughout the night.

So, instead of leading a sedentary lifestyle, switch things up and go out for a walk in the morning or evening. Pair that with a diet including whole grains and fresh produce, and you should start noticing changes in your overall well-being.

Manage your Stress

Stress is a direct contributor to fatigue. Not just in diabetes patients, stress is a unified element that can drain the last ounce of energy from a healthy person too.

So, if you are battling stress and anxiety, try to find positive ways to manage the symptoms. You can talk to a professional, find positive coping mechanisms or even eliminate the negative triggers from your life for good.

Good nutrient supplements for vitamin D, magnesium and calcium should be taken along with diabetic medications.

Regular follow-up with your doctor for sugars to avoid fluctuations in sugar levels and to prevent complications of diabetes is mandatory to avoid fatigue and tiredness.