A person with Diabetes has an improper level of glucose in blood, that requires insulin, is what diabetes is all about. The hormone insulin converts the glucose into energy and any impairment in this process results in diabetes.
Due to poor production of insulin in the body, the glucose remains unconverted to energy, and flows in the bloodstream causing fatigue. The body needs sugar for higher energy levels and when this is not available in adequate supply one feels tired.
Those with Type 1 diabetes experience fatigue because the body lacks insulin. In the case of Type 2 diabetes, the patient is prone to a condition called insulin resistance. In the case of the latter the body is unable to detect or properly use insulin.
Causes of Fatigue in Diabetics
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) – Due to less glucose, the body cannot produce sufficient energy, causing tiredness
- Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) – Body has insufficient insulin or cannot properly use it. The glucose remains in the bloodstream, instead of entering the cells and being converted into energy. This also causes fatigue.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis – (severe hyperglycemia and build up of ketones in the blood. Those suffering from ketoacidosis do not have sufficient insulin to convert glucose into energy and suffer from fatigue
- Obesity – It reduces physical functioning and the desire to exercise.
Other causes of fatigue in diabetics are dehydration, autonomic neuropathy, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problem etc.
Treatment of Fatigue in Diabetics
- Dropping of excessive fat
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing cholesterol
- Improved Diet
- Exercise
- Oral medication
- Injection of insulin
A diabetic feels tired due to a number of reasons and if he takes good care of his general health he can tackle this problem adequately.
