When you’re feeling run down and unable to keep up with everyday chores like you used to in the past, it is a hassle. Work falls behind, and you don’t stay active, which leads hinders your ability to enjoy life. You might not realize it, but this can be the result of diabetes.

How so?

Well, there are a number aspects of this metabolic disorder that can lead to fatigue. Some are a direct result of high blood sugar, while others are the result of long-term complications.

Causes Of Fatigue

The most obvious cause is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Excess glucose can make it harder for blood to travel through the veins and arteries, so less oxygen reaches your body’s cells. Insulin insensitivity also leads to low energy levels as the body’s cells become starved for glucose. This is also why diabetics can feel hunger even when they are eating normally. Glucose just isn’t making it into the cells.

Other potential causes of the fatigue you’re feeling include:

• inflammation triggered by diabetes complications can wear you out
• type 1 diabetics can get hypoglycemia from not eating enough or using the appropriate insulin dose
• blood sugar highs and lows make it difficult for some to get a good night’s rest
• inactivity weakens the muscles and lowers your endurance over time
• mental fatigue can make you tired and lead to depression or apathy

Chronic infections can also develop in diabetics, which wears the body out faster and leaves you feeling weak. So, it’s important to stay on top of your treatment plan and keep your blood sugar levels under control.

How To Keep Your Energy Levels Up

There are some natural ways you can boost your energy levels to combat tiredness. Eat a healthy diet with low glycemic foods that avoid spiking or dropping your blood glucose. You’ll also want to stay active. Exercise even when you don’t feel like it. This can help preserve your muscle mass, oxygenate your blood, and build endurance. Caffeine is okay early in the day, but limit it in the afternoon. Drinks, like coffee, can leave you with insomnia later on. Avoid alcohol too. It may make you feel sleepy during the day and adds extra carbs to your diet.