Are shivering hands due to delayed meals signs of diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old female. Nowadays, I become nervous if I delay having my food on time. My hands are shivering and I am unable to concentrate on my work. Are there chances of having any debilitating disease like type 1 diabetes? I have these symptoms from childhood but I am not under any medication. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am here to answer your queries.

Understandably, experiencing shakiness, nervousness, and trouble concentrating when you delay your meals can be worrying, especially if it has happened since childhood. While these symptoms can be associated with type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune condition wherein the body’s immune system destroys the pancreas), they can also be commonly linked to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can occur even in people who do not have diabetes. The following are the various types of hypoglycemia-

Reactive hypoglycemia: This condition can cause low blood sugar a few hours after eating, especially if you have consumed a high-carbohydrate meal that spikes your blood sugar, leading to a rapid drop afterward. Symptoms like shakiness, nervousness, sweating, and trouble concentrating are common in hypoglycemia.
T1DM: Typically, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) presents with symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue, along with high blood sugar levels. If you have not had these symptoms, or if you have not experienced episodes of very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), then the chances of you having type 1 diabetes may be less likely. However, it is still possible to have fluctuating blood sugar levels, so getting yourself tested would be better.

Sometimes, anxiety itself can lead to symptoms like tremors, sweating, and trouble concentrating. This could be a contributing factor if your symptoms tend to align with stressful situations. Other conditions like thyroid issues, adrenal gland problems, or deficiencies in certain nutrients can also cause similar symptoms.

I suggest you do the following:

Taking a fasting blood sugar test, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), or an oral glucose tolerance test can help diagnose diabetes or reactive hypoglycemia. Your provider might also check your thyroid levels, as thyroid imbalances can mimic these symptoms.
Keeping a log of what and when you eat, along with your symptoms, can provide useful clues. Notice if symptoms improve with small, frequent meals or balanced snacks.
Consuming a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber at each meal can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoiding long gaps between meals might reduce symptoms.

I hope I have answered your queries.

Do get back in case of any further queries.

Thank you.