Why am I tired after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 32 years old and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year. My blood sugar levels are somewhat controlled, but I feel exhausted every day.

Why do I feel so tired all the time with type 2 diabetes at 32?
My fasting blood sugar is around 140 mg/dL, and my last HbA1c was 7.8 percent. Even after getting enough sleep, I wake up feeling drained. Is this fatigue due to insulin resistance or medications such as Metformin?
Could low vitamin B12 levels or a thyroid problem be contributing?

Exercise feels almost impossible because I am so tired. I am worried that this fatigue could mean diabetes complications are already starting, even though I was diagnosed only last year.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Tiredness is a typical feeling for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, which is a condition in which the body shows resistance to insulin or is unable to produce enough insulin. Your sugar levels are a bit higher than ideal, so your body is not using energy properly due to insulin resistance. This can make you feel drained even after sleep.

Other common, treatable causes of fatigue include:

Low vitamin B12 (can happen with Metformin).
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
Poor-quality sleep, such as sleep apnea (a disease that causes the throat muscles to repeatedly collapse while sleeping, blocking the airways and interrupting breathing).
Anemia (this is a disorder in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the body).

This tiredness is usually reversible, not a sign of damage.

You should get a few basic tests, including vitamin B12, thyroid function, and a blood count, and work on slightly better sugar control.

Even light activity, such as short walks, can improve energy over time, even if it feels hard at first.

Your fatigue is likely due to manageable causes, and with small steps and proper checks, your energy can improve.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.