Diabetes fatigue: what is it?

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Diabetic fatigue is caused by a lack of insulin turning glucose into energy, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep can help, but medication may be needed in advanced cases. Relaxation techniques and a positive attitude can also combat fatigue.

Diabetic fatigue is the result of a disparity in blood sugar. The body needs the hormone insulin to turn glucose, a type of blood sugar, into energy. When the body has metabolic difficulties, sugar flows through the bloodstream as unconverted energy. This causes the body to have an insufficient amount of energy, causing exhaustion. Diabetes fatigue can be both mental and physical and is an early warning sign of diabetes.

Individuals experiencing physical fatigue will not be able to move their muscles as they normally would. Physical fatigue can exist in the arms or legs or the whole body. A physically fatigued person must make a substantial effort to complete daily activities.

Diabetes fatigue can also affect a person mentally. With mental fatigue, a person is tired all the time and aspires to sleep all the time. In addition to feeling sleepy, mental fatigue can lead to a lack of concentration. Other symptoms that are often associated with diabetes fatigue include excessive thirst and hunger, along with constant need to go to the bathroom, vision problems and skin irritations.

Fatigue occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes when the pancreas is unable to produce any insulin whatsoever. Blood contains glucose, but insulin is not available to be absorbed by the cells. Individuals with type 2 diabetes don’t get enough insulin to meet the body’s needs, which also causes fatigue. Diabetic fatigue can also be caused by conditions including obesity, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease.

When a person’s blood sugar level remains constant, the feeling of exhaustion will lessen. If a person is suffering from diabetes fatigue, there are lifestyle changes they can make as the diabetes develops. A person can lose extra pounds until he gets to his right body weight. Other alterations an individual can make include a healthy diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

In cases where lifestyle changes don’t work, a person may need to resort to other methods. This can include oral medications or insulin injections. During more advanced cases of diabetes fatigue, a person will need to continue to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.
Other techniques to combat fatigue include relaxation techniques. Meditating, visualizing positive images, and practicing breathing exercises help reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Maintaining a positive attitude and accepting your condition can also help fight fatigue.




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