Is Being Tired a Sign of Diabetes?

Are you feeling tired, worn out, and sluggish no matter how much sleep you get? The answer might be diabetes. Being tired for no good reason is one of the warning signs of diabetes.

• Being tired is a common sign of diabetes

Why Diabetes Makes You Feel Tired

• Sugar is a prime source of energy for our bodies. Diabetics' bodies, however, are not able to convert raw sugar into energy effectively. Diabetes makes you feel tired because your cells aren't getting the energy they need to feel alert.

Prevention/Solution

• If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, visit your doctor to discover whether high blood sugar levels cause your tiredness with a simple finger prick.

  For diabetics, being tired could indicate that your blood sugar level is too high. Ask your doctor for the best way to bring your blood sugar down to normal levels.

Other Common Symptoms of Diabetes

• Other than being tired, common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, incessant thirst, vision problems, crankiness, unexplained weight loss and persistent hunger.

Who is At Risk for Diabetes?

• Diabetes can happen to anyone at any time, but you have higher risk if you are obese or sedentary, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.

Other Common Ailments that Make You Feel Tired

• Aside from diabetes, ailments that cause tiredness include hypothyroidism, flu, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and depression. The best way to discover the underlying cause of tiredness is to consult with your doctor.