You may feel tired due to many health conditions, includingdiabetes.
Both mental and physical aspects of diabetes can cause fatigue.
This article will explore what fatigue looks like and why it might happen in a person with diabetes.
Tetra Images / Getty Images
Tetra Images / Getty Images
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is more than sleepiness, an occasional lack of energy, or an uncontrollable need to sleep.
When you have fatigue, it may appear as an overwhelming lack of physical and emotional energy or motivation.
This lack of energy can often affect your ability to carry out daily tasks.
There are many causes of fatigue, including medical issues, lifestyle changes, and stress.
It can also be a result ofstress, which can impact the body in countless ways.
Common stressors include:
Is Fatigue a Symptom of Diabetes?
Several conditions, including diabetes, can cause fatigue.
Several factors are thought to contribute tofatigue when you have diabetes.
Chemical and energy changes in the body triggered by diabetes can alter thebalance of electrolyteslike calcium and potassium.
When ATP is in short supply, some researchers suggest that fatigue may occur as a result.
The first is to take care of your overall health and control your blood sugar levels.
Prescription medications to treat stress or depression have been effective for some people with diabetes-related fatigue.
In some cases, fatigue may result from a more severediabetes complication, such asdiabeticketoacidosis(DKA).
DKA is a serious complication that can lead to excessively high blood sugar.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your fatigue affects your daily activities or appears alongside a diagnosed medical condition.
A Word From Verywell
Living with chronic diseases, like diabetes, can be challenging and exhausting.
Poor blood sugar control and other diabetes complications can also increase your fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes takes a physical and mental toll on your body.
Blood glucose levels directly affect your energy level and how you feel.
Changes may need to be made to your treatment regimen.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetic ketoacidosis.