Diabetes is a disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or by the inability of the tissues in the body to utilize insulin. [1] Fatigue is a term used to describe an extreme feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It is often associated with a medical condition.
Fatigue and tiredness are two different terms. Tiredness can be reversed after a long or short period of rest. On the other hand, after a prolonged period of fatigue, rest might not be sufficient to reverse the effects of fatigue.
Fatigue is a common symptom of Type 2 diabetes. [2] Research shows that about 61% of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes often report fatigue as a symptom.
Reasons Why Diabetes Can Cause Fatigue
Fatigue is the second most common symptom of diabetes. The following are some reasons why a diabetic patient can experience fatigue:
- Abnormal blood glucose level
- Bad mental and emotional health
- Being obese
- Other symptoms of diabetes
- Complications of diabetes