What is diabetes fatigue syndrome. How does it affect people with type 2 diabetes. What causes fatigue in diabetes patients. How can diabetes-related tiredness be managed effectively. What role does blood glucose play in fatigue. How can exercise help combat diabetes fatigue.

Understanding Diabetes Fatigue Syndrome

Diabetes Fatigue Syndrome is a common yet often overlooked aspect of living with type 2 diabetes. It refers to the persistent and overwhelming sense of tiredness that many diabetes patients experience, often interfering with daily activities and quality of life. This fatigue goes beyond normal tiredness and can significantly impact a person’s ability to manage their condition effectively.

Why do people with diabetes experience such profound fatigue? The reasons are multifaceted and can include:

• Blood glucose fluctuations
• Insulin resistance
• Complications of diabetes
• Medications
• Psychological factors

The Link Between Blood Glucose Levels and Fatigue

One of the primary culprits behind diabetes-related fatigue is the fluctuation in blood glucose levels. Both high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar can lead to fatigue, albeit through different mechanisms.

Hyperglycemia and Fatigue

When blood glucose levels are consistently high, cells struggle to utilize the available glucose for energy. This occurs due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance, leading to a state where the body’s cells are essentially starved of energy despite an abundance of glucose in the bloodstream. The result? Profound fatigue and lethargy.

Hypoglycemia and Fatigue

On the flip side, low blood sugar can also cause fatigue. When glucose levels drop too low, the body lacks the fuel it needs to function properly. This can lead to feelings of weakness, confusion, and extreme tiredness. In severe cases, it may even result in loss of consciousness.

Recognizing the Signs of Diabetes-Related Fatigue

How can you differentiate between normal tiredness and diabetes-related fatigue? Here are some key indicators:

• Persistent tiredness despite adequate sleep
• Fatigue that worsens after meals
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Lack of energy for daily activities
• Feeling physically heavy or sluggish

If you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s crucial to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may indicate poorly controlled blood glucose levels or other diabetes-related complications.

Managing Blood Glucose to Combat Fatigue

Effective management of blood glucose levels is paramount in combating diabetes-related fatigue. This involves a multi-pronged approach:

Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring

Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels can help identify patterns and triggers for fatigue. It allows for timely adjustments in medication, diet, or activity levels to prevent extreme fluctuations.

Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet that helps maintain steady blood glucose levels is crucial. This typically involves:

• Controlling carbohydrate intake
• Choosing complex carbohydrates over simple sugars
• Incorporating lean proteins and healthy fats
• Eating regular, balanced meals to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes

Medication Management

Working closely with your healthcare provider to optimize your medication regimen is essential. This may involve adjusting dosages or trying different medications to find the most effective approach for managing your blood glucose levels and reducing fatigue.

The Role of Exercise in Combating Diabetes Fatigue

While it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you’re already feeling fatigued, physical activity plays a crucial role in managing diabetes and reducing fatigue. Regular exercise can:

• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Help regulate blood glucose levels
• Boost energy levels
• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce stress and anxiety

How can you incorporate exercise into your routine when fatigue is a constant companion? Here are some strategies:

1. Start small: Begin with short, manageable sessions and gradually increase duration and intensity
2. Choose activities you enjoy: This increases the likelihood of sticking to your exercise routine
3. Schedule workouts for your peak energy times: Pay attention to when you feel most energetic during the day
4. Incorporate movement throughout the day: Take short walks, stretch, or do light exercises during breaks
5. Consider strength training: Building muscle can improve insulin sensitivity and overall energy levels

Sleep Quality and Diabetes Fatigue

While getting more sleep isn’t always the answer to diabetes-related fatigue, improving sleep quality can certainly help. Poor sleep is common among people with diabetes and can exacerbate fatigue. Consider these strategies for better sleep:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
• Limit screen time before bed
• Avoid caffeine and large meals close to bedtime

If you consistently have trouble sleeping, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea are more common in people with diabetes and may require specific treatment.

Psychological Aspects of Diabetes Fatigue

The emotional and psychological toll of managing a chronic condition like diabetes can contribute significantly to fatigue. Depression and anxiety are more prevalent among people with diabetes and can manifest as persistent fatigue.

How can you address the psychological aspects of diabetes fatigue?

• Seek support: Join diabetes support groups or consider counseling
• Practice stress-management techniques: Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga
• Set realistic goals: Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge your efforts in managing your condition
• Communicate with loved ones: Help them understand your challenges and how they can support you

Nutritional Considerations for Combating Diabetes Fatigue

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in managing diabetes and reducing fatigue. Beyond maintaining stable blood glucose levels, certain nutritional strategies can help boost energy levels:

Hydration

Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. How much water should you drink? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is about 8 cups (64 ounces) per day for most adults.

Balanced Macronutrients

Ensuring a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can help maintain steady energy levels. Consult with a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan tailored to your specific needs.

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to fatigue. Common deficiencies in people with diabetes include:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Magnesium
• Iron

Regular blood tests can help identify any deficiencies, and your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate supplements if necessary.

Medications and Diabetes Fatigue

While medications are crucial for managing diabetes, some can contribute to fatigue as a side effect. Common culprits include:

• Certain diabetes medications (e.g., sulfonylureas)
• Blood pressure medications
• Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)

If you suspect your medications are contributing to your fatigue, don’t stop taking them abruptly. Instead, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to an alternative medication with fewer side effects.

The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your healthcare team are crucial for managing diabetes and addressing fatigue. These visits allow for:

• Monitoring of blood glucose control
• Screening for diabetes-related complications
• Adjustment of treatment plans
• Discussion of any new or persistent symptoms, including fatigue

How often should you have check-ups? While individual needs vary, most people with diabetes benefit from seeing their healthcare provider at least every 3-6 months.

Emerging Research on Diabetes Fatigue

As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, researchers are increasingly focusing on understanding and addressing diabetes-related fatigue. Some promising areas of research include:

Biomarkers for Fatigue

Scientists are working to identify specific biomarkers that could help diagnose and monitor diabetes fatigue syndrome. This could lead to more targeted treatments in the future.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Research is ongoing into new medications and interventions specifically designed to address diabetes-related fatigue. These may include drugs that target inflammation or improve mitochondrial function.

Personalized Management Strategies

As our understanding of the genetic and environmental factors contributing to diabetes fatigue grows, we may see more personalized approaches to managing this challenging aspect of the condition.

While living with diabetes-related fatigue can be challenging, it’s important to remember that effective management strategies exist. By working closely with your healthcare team, maintaining good blood glucose control, staying active, and addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of fatigue, many people with diabetes can significantly improve their energy levels and quality of life.

Tiredness and Diabetes

Many people with diabetes will describe themselves as feeling tired, lethargic or fatigued at times.

It could be a result of stress, hard work or a lack of a decent night’s sleep but it could also be related to having too high or too low blood glucose levels.

Tiredness as a symptom of diabetes

Regular tiredness, particularly tiredness following meals, is a common symptom of diabetes.

• Read more on the symptoms of diabetes

What causes people with diabetes to be tired?

Two common reasons for tiredness or lethargy are having too high or too low blood sugar levels.

In both cases, the tiredness is the result of having an imbalance between one’s level of blood glucose and the amount or effectiveness of circulating insulin.

If you feel tired during the day, despite having slept well, it could be a result of either high or low sugar levels.

It is best to test your blood glucose levels to see whether the tiredness is indeed a result of having high or low sugar levels.

This is particularly important for people on insulin.

• Read about the recommended blood glucose levels ranges

Tiredness and high blood sugar levels

Blood glucose levels go high when there is either insufficient insulin (typically in the case of type 1 diabetes ) or the insulin is not working effectively enough (typically in type 2 diabetes).

To provide us with energy, insulin is needed to transport glucose from blood into our cells to be used for energy.

When there is not enough insulin, or the insulin isn’t working effectively, it means the sugar in our blood cannot get into our cells and therefore our cells do not receive the energy they need. As a result, we feel tired.

Managing tiredness and high blood sugar after meals

If tiredness is accompanied by high blood glucose levels after meals, it can indicate one or more of the following:

• The carbohydrate you are eating is too quick acting for you medication to cope with
• You are eating too much carbohydrate for your medication/dosage
• Your medication/dosage is not strong enough

You should only change your medication dosage if your doctor has approved you to.

Putting on weight is a common indication that one’s insulin levels are too high. People who are overweight and experiencing tiredness as a result of high blood glucose levels may be able to combat tiredness by reducing their carbohydrate intake.

A doctor or dietitian should be able to help you with how to reduce your blood glucose levels whilst achieving a healthy weight.

Tiredness and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)

When blood glucose levels are low the body is in a similar position as a car that has run out of fuel; unless you are able to add more fuel, the car will quickly come to a juddering halt.

Similarly, when blood glucose levels are low, you need to take in more carbohydrate to provide your body with the energy your body needs.

If you are regularly experiencing low blood sugar levels, your dosage of medication may be too high.

For people on insulin, hypoglycemia can also occur if insulin is injected (or bolused) too soon before eating.

Tiredness upon waking

If tiredness occurs upon waking after a full night’s sleep, it can also be a result of too high or to low blood sugar levels overnight.

Tiredness accompanied by a headache in the morning can often be a sign of an overnight hypo in people taking insulin.

Managing morning tiredness

If you are regularly feeling tired in the morning, despite having had a full night’s sleep, it’s worth testing your blood sugar upon waking to see if your tiredness is related to your blood glucose

Some people may also wish to wake during the night to test their blood glucose levels to see if they’re experiencing high or low blood sugar overnight.

Blood sugar levels can fluctuate overnight and your doctor or diabetes specialist should be able to advise if your sugar levels are causing any problems.

8 Tips for Exercising When You Have No Energy

Exercising is an important part of a diabetes treatment plan but can be difficult when you’re experiencing extreme fatigue.

Exercise has never been a way of life for Denise Baron. But after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago, Baron now finds a way to make fitness a part of her day.

“For me, exercising is never on my top three things to do in life, but nowadays it’s a requirement,” the 49-year old tells Healthline.

Like millions of other people who live with type 2 diabetes, Baron now understands the role exercise plays in managing her symptoms. That said, she’s also familiar with “diabetes fatigue,” a common effect of the condition that can make it challenging to stick with a consistent workout program.

Dealing with type 2 diabetes can feel taxing. And when you’re tired all the time, just getting through the day is often all you can manage. Unfortunately, getting more sleep isn’t necessarily the right answer.

Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes experience extreme tiredness and fatigue that can disrupt their life and makes it difficult to function. The impact is so significant that experts now refer to this as “diabetes fatigue. ”

“Excessive feelings of tiredness or fatigue are commonly associated with diabetes, but the causes may be multifactorial,” explains Sheri Colberg, PhD, FACSM, and Professor Emerita of Exercise Science.

“The most common cause is the rise in blood glucose levels, which can make you feel sluggish and lethargic,” she explains. And she should know. In addition to helping others, Colberg also lives with diabetes.

Colberg also points out that people may experience fatigue as the result of some diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease, or as a side-effect of some medications.

It’s no secret that regular exercise is key in managing and preventing several health-related conditions including type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends physical activity to all people living with diabetes to manage glycemic control and overall health.

In particular, the ADA urges people living with diabetes to interrupt long periods of sitting with light activity by doing 3 minutes of light exercise (like stretches or walking) every 30 minutes.

While this recommendation tops the list of ways to manage and
treat diabetes, exercising when you’re experiencing diabetes fatigue is often
easier said than done.

“Fatigue is common among people with diabetes, which can make it difficult to work up the motivation and energy to stay physically active,” explains Dr. Emily Schroeder, an endocrinologist with Kaiser Permanente in Denver.

However, exercise is a crucial part of diabetes management. Schroeder says it’s vital that patients come up with ways to integrate exercise into their daily routines.

Once you establish a routine, you can gradually increase that activity up to 30 minutes a day — or more — as your body becomes accustomed to it.

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The first thing to keep in mind, says Colberg, is that doing any physical activity is likely to help you feel better and less tired, even if it’s just taking more daily steps. “Physical movement doesn’t have to be structured exercise sessions to lower your blood glucose or make you feel better in the short run,” she explains.

Colberg recommends you start by standing up more, breaking up your
sedentary time frequently (by standing, walking around, stretching, or doing
any activity for a few minutes every 30 minutes or so), and just moving more
all day long.

Once the diabetes fatigue starts to lift from doing these activities, you may feel more like engaging in exercises like walking, resistance training, or dancing.

As an endocrinologist, Schroeder has extensive experience working with type 2 diabetes and diabetes fatigue. When talking with patients about exercise, she gives them the following advice:

1. Set smaller
   goals and build up from there. “If you start out thinking you need to hit
   the gym for hours every day to stay fit, you’re more likely to give up before
   you’ve even begun,” she says. Instead, challenge yourself to work out in small
   increments. For example, you can walk for 10 minutes, three times a day, to get
   the recommended 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise.
2. Don’t go it
   alone. Join a class or make plans to exercise with a friend. “It’s much
   harder to let fatigue talk you out of a workout when you have a fitness buddy
   waiting for you or you’ve already committed to participating in a class,” says
   Schroeder.
3. Try activities
   that do double duty. Activities like gardening can be great exercise — not
   to mention a good way to get some fresh air. Schroeder also says to consider
   chores such as vacuuming the house for 15 minutes (which can burn up to 90
   calories). “Embracing exercise that also checks items off your to-do list can
   provide twice the motivation to get active,” she says.
4. Monitor your blood sugar. Some individuals may
   need to monitor their blood sugar before, during, and after exercise. Schroeder
   says exercise will be easier if your blood sugar is in the normal range. In
   addition, exercise can cause low blood sugars. That’s why you need to talk with
   your physician about ways to keep your blood sugar in the normal range during
   and after exercise.

1. Start slow, but aim to build up to the recommended 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise.

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Dr. Pamela Merino, a TopLine MD internist certified in obesity and lifestyle medicine, says some forms of exercise may be better than others if you’re dealing with diabetes fatigue. She recommends starting small and slow with physical activity.

Even committing to five minutes can make a difference. She recommends tai chi (since it incorporates healthy breathing, balance, and strengthening), water exercises, yoga, walking, and seated exercises.

And if you’re not ready for fitness activities outside of your home, Schroeder says there are still exercises you can do at home to help increase your physical activity. Here are some movements she recommends to her patients:

1. Keep
   some hand weights under the couch to fit in a few bicep curls while you binge
   the latest “House Hunters” marathon. It’s so easy and beneficial.
2. Stand
   up and march in place during commercial breaks. In the average hour of
   television, that’s 15 minutes of movement.
3. Do
   leg lifts in bed. Before you get up in the morning, spend a few minutes lying
   flat on your back, slowing raising and lowering one leg at a time. Try two sets
   of 10 repetitions per leg to get your blood flowing and start the day with more
   energy.
4. Try
   abdominal crunches. These are also easy to do in bed, and there are many
   variations to try that can keep them interesting and challenge different muscle
   groups.

Depending on your starting fitness level and medical conditions, it’s important to work with a doctor or trainer in developing a plan that’s right for you.

When it comes to working with a professional, Baron agrees it’s helpful to seek information from experts in the fitness field.

She now lives an Ayurvedic lifestyle, which she says changed her life for the better. Her physical activity consists of daily walks and bicycle rides every morning for 20 to 40 minutes, stretching every day, and occasionally some gentle yoga.

”My suggestion to those with type 2 diabetes is to find something
you love to do and do it often,” says Baron.

Make sure to speak with your doctor before starting an exercise program. They can help you determine the most effective way to manage diabetes fatigue so you can incorporate physical activity into your day.

Sara Lindberg, BS, M.Ed, is a freelance health and fitness writer. She holds a bachelor’s in exercise science and a master’s degree in counseling. She’s spent her life educating people on the importance of health, wellness, mindset, and mental health. She specializes in the mind-body connection, with a focus on how our mental and emotional well-being impact our physical fitness and health.

what is it, symptoms, diagnosis, complications

Diabetes mellitus: what is it, symptoms, diagnosis, complications

What is diabetes
Symptoms
Consequences
Diagnostics

CHECK YOURSELF

Constant fatigue that does not go away even after recovery
sleep and wake patterns is
an alarming symptom of certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Constant
fatigue
reduces the activity and performance of a person, worsening his well-being.

Finally, constant fatigue and weakness accompany
dysfunction of the kidneys.

CHECK YOURSELF

Diabetes mellitus in Russia

What is diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that occur for various reasons, but
its main symptom is an increase in the level of glucose – or sugar – in the blood.

When there is a lack of insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell,
due to which its level in the blood rises. Most likely it is diabetes.

Without insulin, our cells cannot use glucose for themselves.
energy, glucose remains in the blood, where it circulates in excess and can cause serious
complications.

Why it is impossible to live with diabetes without treatment

The longer elevated blood glucose levels persist without proper treatment of the disease, the
more complications develop.

Some of these may be life threatening4.

Blindness5

– partial loss of vision or total blindness

Leg amputation6

– lower extremity involvement

– pain when walking

– gangrene and resulting amputation 900 03

Heart attack7

– atherosclerosis

– ischemic disease

– angina pectoris and heart attack

Stroke8

– impairment of attention, thinking and speech

– cerebrovascular insufficiency

– High risk of cerebral stroke

Kidney failure9

– Kidney transplant

Damage to the nervous system10

– Pain and numbness of the limbs

– Problems with the digestive system, blood vessels, heart

900 02 Blindness5

– partial loss of vision or complete blindness

Leg amputation6

– lower extremity involvement

– pain when walking

– gangrene and resulting amputation

Heart attack7

– Atherosclerosis

– Ischemic disease

– Angina pectoris and heart attack

Stroke8

– Impairment of attention, thinking and speech

– Brain failure blood circulation

– high risk of cerebral stroke

Renal failure9

– kidney transplant

Damage to the nervous system10

– pain and numbness of the limbs

– problems with the digestive system, blood vessels, heart

All these complications can be avoided by consulting a doctor in time!

BOOK A DOCTOR

The main symptoms of type 2 diabetes11

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) outlines the main
type 2 diabetes symptoms

Frequent urination

Frequent urination11

This symptom may be a sign of diabetes.

If you notice the appearance of frequent and profuse urination, this is an occasion to visit
endocrinologist for diagnosis.

The normal daily volume of urine of a healthy person is 1.5-2 liters.

Polyuria – excretion of more than 2-3 liters of urine per day. At the same time, the frequency also increases.
urination, and one-time volume of urine.

Other possible causes include: taking diuretics, taking
large amounts of water or alcohol intake, as well as liquids containing caffeine, including
number of energy drinks.

Fact

In diabetes, the volume of urine can be up to 10
liters per day. If profuse urination continues for a long time and the cause
its unclear, you should consult a doctor1.

Fact

In diabetes, the volume of urine can be up to 10
liters per day. If profuse urination continues for a long time and the cause
its unclear, you should consult a doctor1.

Blurry vision

Blurry vision11

What causes blurry or fuzzy vision? This could be one of
symptoms of diabetes.

Symptoms of visual impairment in diabetes mellitus may include:

• gradual deterioration of vision;

• sudden loss of vision;

• spots, threads, or other obscurations that float in your field of vision;

• blurry or spotty vision;

• pain in the eyes.

Most often, in diabetes mellitus, the vessels of the retina are affected, which is called
diabetic retinopathy. It is also possible to develop glaucoma and other vision pathologies.

Fact

The prevalence of retinopathy in diabetes is 20.8% and increases with
disease progression.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of new cases of blindness among
adults aged 20-74 in developed countries15.

Fact

The prevalence of retinopathy in diabetes is 20.8% and increases with
disease progression.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of new cases of blindness among
adults aged 20-74 in developed countries15.

Intense thirst

Intense thirst11

Thirst is an alarming symptom that should not be ignored.

When developing diabetes, a person who is thirsty drinks from 2 to 6 liters (10-30 glasses)
liquids per day. One of the constant companions of the symptom of thirst is severe dryness.
in the mouth.

If you experience persistent thirst, including at night,
or you have other possible manifestations of diabetes, make an appointment with your doctor
to rule out diabetes.

Fact

Some diabetic patients
can drink 10 or more liters of fluid per day.

Fact

Some diabetic patients
can drink 10 or more liters of fluid per day.

Slow wound healing

Slow wound healing11

If you began to notice long-term non-healing wounds, scratches, sores, do not
ignore this symptom.

There can be several reasons, and one of them is the manifestations of diabetes mellitus. for a long time
non-healing wounds can become part of the so-called diabetic foot syndrome.

Fact

Non-healing wounds in advanced cases
cause gangrene and amputation. That is why it is so important to turn
attention to the symptom and consult a specialist.

Fact

Non-healing wounds in advanced cases
cause gangrene and amputation. That is why it is so important to turn
attention to the symptom and consult a specialist.

Permanent fatigue

Permanent fatigue11

In diabetes mellitus, the following situation arises: glucose seems to be enough, and tissues
the whole body experience starvation. Insulin deficiency and development of resistance
cell receptors to it leads to the fact that glucose is not supplied in the proper
tissue concentration.

The result of these disorders is that the body does not have enough energy to
maintaining all vital processes at the required level. Which leads to
the onset and progression of fatigue.

Numbness, pain in limbs

Numbness, pain in limbs11

In a situation where there is a loss of sensation or numbness of the limbs, it is important
remember that the likely cause of this may be diabetes mellitus.

One of the serious and most common complications of diabetes is
diabetic polyneuropathy (hereinafter referred to as DPN). One third of all complications of diabetes occur in
share of DPN. And after 25 years from the onset of the disease, DPN affects already 50% of all those with poor
diabetes compensation.

Sometimes people with DPN become patients in burn centers. Due to malnutrition of tissues
they feel cold and try to warm their feet in every way. They are on the move
heaters, heaters. As a result of decreased sensitivity in DPN, there is no
normal reaction to thermal stimuli. The person does not notice how
burn. It is recommended to warm the feet only with warm socks.

Fact

When glucose is normalized and maintained at
normal level, the development of polyneuropathy may stop. That’s why timing is so important.
identify diabetes mellitus and start treatment13.

Fact

When glucose is normalized and maintained at
normal level, the development of polyneuropathy may stop. That’s why timing is so important.
identify diabetes mellitus and start treatment13.

Persistent hunger

Persistent hunger11

Most people love to eat, and therefore the feeling of constant hunger rarely causes
think about whether everything is in order with health.

How to distinguish hunger caused by some disease from normal physiological?

The physiological feeling of hunger stops after a normal meal.

Hunger due to disease is uncontrollable
food intake and rapid, excessive food intake.

Constant hunger can be a symptom of diabetes, so take care
him as seriously as possible.

Fact

If you often feel persistent,
persistent hunger after a normal meal or other symptoms of sugar
diabetes, see your doctor.

Fact

If you often feel persistent,
persistent hunger after a normal meal or other symptoms of sugar
diabetes, see your doctor.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss11

The body weight of an adult in the absence of pathology is a value relative to
constant.

But if you notice that within a few months you have inexplicably begun to lose weight without
increased physical activity or special diets,
then such weight loss should not be rejoiced. One of the common causes of unintentional
weight loss in a few months by 5% of the initial body weight or more,
could be type 2 diabetes. The consequences of this are dangerous and fraught with development
ketoacidosis, malnutrition, and muscle atrophy with loss of muscle tone and the possibility
move fully.

To prevent this, you need to see a doctor.

Early diagnosis is the key to diabetes control4

Dizziness

Dry mucous membranes

Itching and dry skin, brittle nails

Nausea, vomiting

Itching in the genital area

Dizziness

Dryness of mucous membranes

Itching and dry skin, brittle nails

Nausea, vomiting

Itching in the genital area

Dizziness

Dryness of mucous membranes

Itching and dry skin, brittle nails

Nausea, vomiting

Itching in the genital area

However, not all people have these symptoms pronounced, so they remain
unnoticed and lead to late
diagnosis and treatment of diabetes1

If you have at least one of the symptoms, get a diagnosis

BOOK A DOCTOR

Do you know your blood glucose level?

In most cases, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is made only after 4-7 years from
disease onset 16

Disease progression without diagnosis

living with elevated blood glucose levels. Without proper treatment
this leads to the development of complications of diabetes.

Complications can be prevented by early detection and
adherence to recommendations for keeping blood glucose under control

Risk factors17

Those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels.

These include those who:

physically inactive

suffer from cardiovascular diseases

suffer from arterial hypertension

overweight or obese people

have relatives with diabetes mellitus

have vision problems

90 002 had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

women who gave birth to a child weighing more than 4 kg

men and women over 45

have high cholesterol

Show more

Have you noticed these symptoms in yourself?

Frequent urination

Blurry vision

Extreme thirst

Prolonged healing of wounds

Constant fatigue walking hunger

unexplained weight loss

Please note that you have highlighted 0 symptoms out of 8
basic.

This is a serious reason to consult a specialist.

Make an appointment with a doctor

You can take a detailed test for the presence of risk factors for diabetes you can
Here

Sources

1

Diabetes.co.uk [Electronic resource]: [website]. – Electron. Dan. –
Access mode: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/. – Zagl. from the screen.

2

Ivan I. Dedov, Marina V. Shestakova, Olga K. Vikulova. Epidemiology
of diabetes mellitus in Russian Federation: clinical and statistical report according to the
federal diabetes registry. Diabetes mellitus. 2017;20(1):13

3

Russian News Agency [Electronic resource] : Elektron.
article // Expert: the incidence of diabetes in the Russian Federation overtakes the growth of obesity //
http://tass.ru/obschestvo/4258790

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Dedov I. I. Diabetes mellitus / Dedov I.I., Shestakova M.V. – Moscow:
Universum Publishing, 2003

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Diabetic retinopathy [Electronic resource]: [Website] – Electronic data. –
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accessed: 01.12.2017)

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screen (Last access: 12/01/2017)

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British Heart Foundation [Electronic resource]: [Website] –
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Title from the screen (Last access: 12/01/2017)

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Demidova T. Yu. Vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus
edge of glycemic control. Diabetes mellitus, 3/2010: pp. 111-116

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National Kidney Foundation [Electronic resource]: [Website] –
Electronic data – Access mode: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/diabetes. – Zagl. from the screen
(Last access: 12/01/2017)

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Mayoclinic [Electronic resource]: [Website] – Electronic data. – Mode
Access: https://www.mayoclinic.org – Chap. from the screen (Last access: 12/01/2017)

11

American Diabetes Association [Electronic resource]: [website]. –
Electron. Dan. – Access mode: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/ – Head. With
screen. (Last accessed: 11/24/2017)

12

Bregovskiy V.B., Khramilin V.N., Demidova I.Yu., Strokov I.A., Guryeva
I.V. Diabetic distal polyneuropathy review of current guidelines. Annals of Clinical
and Experimental Neurology, Vol. 9, No. 1-2015, p.60-68

13

Diabetic polyneuropathy. Overview of modern
recommendations. RMZH No. 32 dated 11/27/2012 p. 1580

14

O.V. Maslova, Yu.I. Suntsov, L.L. Bolotskaya, T.M. Dear, V.K.
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Feeling constantly tired in diabetes. Why does it occur and how to deal with it? Sugar Magazine

Feeling constantly tired is a common symptom of diabetes and can be the result of high blood sugar or other symptoms and complications of the disease. Some lifestyle changes can help a person cope with this condition.

Pathological fatigue (fatigue) is different from simple fatigue, when a person usually feels better after rest. With constant fatigue, rest does not relieve the breakdown and lethargy.

• Author:

  Lyudmila Panchuk, editor

• access_time

According to the American Diabetes Association, 61% of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes report fatigue as a symptom of their condition. In addition, fatigue is the second most common symptom for both type 2 and type 1 diabetes.

Why does diabetes cause fatigue?

There are several reasons why diabetes can cause fatigue, including:

• changes in blood sugar levels;
• other symptoms of diabetes;
• complications of the disease;
• mental and emotional problems associated with diabetes;
• overweight.

Below we will discuss each of these possible causes of fatigue.

Blood sugar changes

Diabetes affects how the body regulates a person’s blood sugar levels.

After a meal, food is broken down into simple sugars. In people with diabetes, these sugars accumulate in the blood rather than entering the cells, which is the basis of all diabetes health problems.

When the body’s cells do not get enough sugar, some symptoms occur, including fatigue and weakness. Anti-diabetic drugs help more of these sugars enter the cells and prevent them from accumulating in the blood.

A potential side effect of antidiabetic drugs is an excessive drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can also cause fatigue.

Other symptoms of diabetes

Other symptoms of diabetes can also contribute to feeling constantly tired. For example:

• frequent urination;
• excessive thirst;
• excessive hunger despite a normal diet;
• unexplained weight loss;
• blurred vision.

While not all of these symptoms can cause you to feel tired, many of them make you feel unwell.

In addition, some symptoms of diabetes can interfere with a person’s sleep. For example, people with diabetes (high sugar levels) may wake up several times a night to go to the toilet or drink water.

Similarly, discomfort in the limbs can make falling asleep and restful sleep difficult, which in turn can lead to feeling overly tired.

Complications of diabetes

People with diabetes can develop complications that can also cause fatigue.

These complications usually develop when a person’s blood sugar stays too high for a long time, or has severe and frequent spikes, and may include:

• kidney problems, including kidney failure;
• frequent infections;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy.

These complications, and the drugs a person takes to treat them, can make people with diabetes feel morbidly tired.

Mental and emotional health

Living with diabetes often affects a person’s mental and emotional health. According to a 2016 study, people with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to experience depression than healthy people.

Depression can also negatively affect how a person controls blood sugar levels and cause persistent fatigue.

In fact, many of the symptoms of depression are related to fatigue, including:

• sleep changes;
• rising too early and inability to sleep;
• energy loss.

In addition to depression, many people with diabetes may experience heightened anxiety about their health. Like depression, sleep disturbance also causes anxiety to make you feel overly tired.

Overweight

Many people with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, are overweight or obese, which can also contribute to fatigue. Reasons for an association between being overweight and fatigue may include:

• lifestyle choices that can lead to weight gain, such as lack of exercise or an unhealthy diet;
• increased energy costs required to move the human body;
• sleep disorders due to complications of being overweight, such as sleep apnea.

How to manage diabetic fatigue

Lifestyle changes can help a person manage both diabetes and symptoms of fatigue.

Beneficial lifestyle changes include:

• maintain normal body weight or lose weight if necessary;
• regular exercise;
• following a healthy diet;
• compliance with the rules of sleep hygiene, including by setting a regular time for going to bed, while the duration of sleep should be 7-9 hours of sleep and rest before bed is mandatory;
• stress management and limitation;
• support for friends and family.

To reduce the feeling of fatigue, it is very important to properly manage your condition and any other comorbidities.

This can be achieved in the following ways:

• monitor blood sugar levels regularly;
• follow a diet that limits refined carbohydrates and simple sugars;
• take all anti-diabetic drugs as prescribed by your doctor;
• correct treatment of any comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and depression.

Other possible causes of fatigue

There are other reasons why a person with diabetes experiences fatigue that is not directly related to their underlying disease:

• other acute illness;
• stress;
• anemia;
• lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body;
• arthritis or other chronic diseases causing inflammation;
• hormonal imbalance;
• sleep apnea;
• side effects of drugs.