Feeling tired after a busy day or a poor night’s sleep is normal. But what if you feel exhausted most of the time, even when you think you are getting enough rest?
If you live with diabetes, there may be a connection. Blood glucose fluctuations, disrupted sleep, the daily demands of managing diabetes and other health conditions can all contribute to fatigue. However, persistent fatigue should not automatically be blamed on diabetes. It may be a sign that something else needs attention.
Article highlights
- Could your blood glucose be affecting your energy levels?
- Discover a surprising connection between diabetes and poor sleep.
- Learn when tiredness may be a sign of something other than diabetes.
- Find out how your medications could be contributing to fatigue.
- Discover simple steps that may help you feel more energetic.
Can diabetes cause you to feel tired all the time?
Diabetes can contribute to fatigue, but it is not the only possible cause. Both high and low blood glucose can leave you feeling tired. When blood glucose is high, symptoms such as thirst and frequent urination can interfere with sleep. Low blood glucose can also cause symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, hunger and difficulty concentrating.
If your blood glucose is frequently outside your target range, it is worth discussing this pattern with your healthcare team.
Can high or low blood glucose affect your energy?
Your body needs glucose for energy, and significant fluctuations in blood glucose can affect how you feel. High blood glucose may cause increased thirst and urination, which can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling tired the next day. Low blood glucose can cause tiredness along with symptoms such as shakiness, hunger, dizziness, headache and confusion.
If you are experiencing frequent lows, don’t simply try to tolerate them. Your medications, meals, physical activity and other factors may need to be reviewed.
Could poor sleep be the reason you are tired?
Sleep and diabetes are closely connected. High or low blood glucose can interfere with sleep. Diabetes-related nerve pain can also make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. In addition, people with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep. Persistent daytime tiredness, loud snoring, gasping during sleep or witnessed pauses in breathing are good reasons to talk with your healthcare provider about sleep apnea.
Can the daily demands of diabetes contribute to fatigue?
Diabetes management can be tiring—physically and mentally. Checking blood glucose, taking medications, planning meals, staying active and thinking about diabetes throughout the day can become overwhelming. Diabetes distress, anxiety and depression can also affect energy, motivation and sleep.
If you feel emotionally exhausted as well as physically tired, tell your healthcare provider. Getting support for your mental health is an important part of diabetes care.
What other health conditions can cause fatigue?
Many conditions can cause persistent fatigue, including:
- Anemia
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep apnea
- An underactive thyroid
- Infections or inflammation
- Heart disease
- Kidney problems
Some medications can also contribute to tiredness. Depending on the medication and the individual, these may include certain blood pressure medications, corticosteroids (which can cause insomnia and therefore daytime fatigue) and other commonly prescribed drugs. This is why persistent fatigue deserves more than simply trying to “get more sleep.”
Could your diabetes medications be making you tired?
Fatigue may be related to a medication itself or, in some cases, to its effect on your blood glucose. For example, medications that can cause hypoglycemia may lead to tiredness when blood glucose drops too low.
If your fatigue started after beginning a new medication or changing a dose, mention this to your pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional. They can determine whether your medications could be contributing.
What can you do if you are tired all the time?
Start by looking for patterns rather than assuming that fatigue is simply part of having diabetes.
Consider the following:
- Check your blood glucose: Look for patterns of highs or lows, particularly when you feel tired.
- Prioritize sleep: Keep a regular sleep schedule and create a sleep-friendly environment.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity can improve energy and mood.
- Eat balanced meals: Regular, nutritious meals can support more consistent energy.
- Manage stress: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge.
- Review your medications: Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider whether any could be contributing to fatigue.
When should you talk to your healthcare provider about fatigue?
If you are tired all the time, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment if fatigue is persistent, worsening or interfering with your usual activities. Your healthcare provider can review your blood glucose patterns, medications, sleep, mental health and overall health to look for possible causes.
You should also seek medical advice if fatigue occurs along with other concerning symptoms, such as unexplained weight changes, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, significant weakness or other new symptoms. Feeling tired occasionally is normal. Feeling exhausted all the time is something worth investigating.
3-Step Action Plan: Find the Cause of Persistent Fatigue With Diabetes
- Track your energy: Note when you feel most tired and what your blood glucose is doing.
- Review your routine: Check your sleep, meals, activity, stress and medications.
- Talk to your healthcare team: Discuss persistent fatigue and possible underlying causes.
Feeling tired all the time can be frustrating, especially when you’re already managing the day-to-day demands of diabetes. The good news is that fatigue is not something you simply have to live with. Paying attention to patterns, making healthy lifestyle changes and talking with your healthcare team can help identify what may be contributing to your tiredness—and help you take steps toward feeling more energetic and well.
