It is not unusual for someone with diabetes to experience fatigue despite normal glucose levels. This persistent tiredness can stem from various factors beyond blood sugar control.
Diabetes itself: Fluctuations in blood sugar, even within normal ranges, can affect energy levels. This could happen especially when taking medicines like sulphonylureas and insulin. Certain diabetes-related complications like heart disease, especially heart failure, may cause exhaustion in addition to shortness of breath on exertion.
Psychological Aspects: Depression and anxiety are prevalent among those with diabetes, often leading to increased fatigue. The mental burden of managing diabetes can also be overwhelming.
Lifestyle Influences: Lack of physical activity, poor sleep quality, and being overweight significantly contribute to fatigue. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help mitigate these effects.
Medications: certain medicines for managing diabetes complications, like medicines for neuropathy and blood pressure, may cause tiredness.
Dietary aspects: sometimes, poorly designed and restrictive diets, which may provide inadequate calories and low protein, may cause fatigue.
Other diseases: people with diabetes may have other diseases like thyroid diseases, adrenal problems and anaemia, which may lead to tiredness
Understanding the multifaceted nature of fatigue is crucial for effective management and improving overall well-being in diabetes patients. Talk to your doctor to find a reason for your fatigue.
Dr.Mathew John MD,DM