Diabetes and fatigue may occur together. Tiredness may be due to changes in blood sugar levels, complications of diabetes, and more.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing fatigue, it’s best to contact a doctor to determine the cause of fatigue. While diabetes could be making you feel more tired, there are also other causes of fatigue

Read on to learn more about the possible link between diabetes and fatigue, how to manage fatigue, other causes of fatigue, and when to contact a doctor.

There are numerous possible causes of fatigue with diabetes.

High and low blood sugar levels

Hyperglycemia is a possible causeTrusted Source of fatigue. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is common in people with diabetes.

Other symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, can also cause tiredness, even in mild to moderate casesTrusted Source. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

Complications of diabetes

Complications of diabetes may cause or contribute to fatigue. These can include:

Medication side effects

Some medications for diabetes may cause fatigue or tiredness as a side effect.

For example, long term use of metformin can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause tiredness and other symptoms, such as muscle weakness and vision problems.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to anemia, which can also cause fatigue.

Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about the side effects of your diabetes medication. It’s important to continue taking the medication as your doctor has prescribed until they advise otherwise.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms such as:

  • severe tiredness
  • shallow or fast breathing
  • slow heartbeat
  • feeling cold

As high or low blood sugar levels may cause fatigue, taking insulin as a doctor has prescribed may help reduce hyperglycemia.

Following a treatment plan for diabetes can help reduce the likelihood of complications that can cause fatigue. If complications do develop, you may require treatment to manage the complication and related symptoms such as fatigue.

General tips for managing fatigue include:

  • aiming for around 6 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night
  • going to bed at the same time, if possible
  • taking time to relax before going to sleep
  • improving sleep hygiene, such as by keeping the room at a cool temperature
  • avoiding looking at phones or other screens right before bed
  • avoiding caffeine or exercise within a couple of hours before bedtime
  • getting enough regular exercise or physical activity
  • avoiding smoking
  • avoiding or limiting your intake of alcohol
  • managing any other health conditions

About 3.3 million peopleTrusted Source in the United States have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS is marked by ongoing fatigue that significantly disrupts everyday life.

People with this type of extreme fatigue use up their energy sources without necessarily being active. It’s thought that CFS is related to inflammation that disrupts your muscle metabolites.

Fatigue can also have a variety of other causes, such as:

Even if you have diabetes, you may experience fatigue due to another cause. You can work with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and find ways to manage fatigue.

You should contact your doctor if your symptoms of fatigue do not improve with lifestyle changes and diabetes management. The fatigue could be related to a complication of diabetes or another condition.

Your doctor may order some tests to confirm or rule out any other conditions. Switching your diabetes medications may also help, if this is an option. You can discuss this with your doctor for more information.

High or low blood sugar may cause fatigue in people with diabetes. Complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney problems, may also cause fatigue.

Certain medications for diabetes can also increase the likelihood of fatigue.

Other conditions can also cause fatigue, so it’s best to speak with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor can advise on ways to manage fatigue, which may include assessing your diabetes treatment plan, improving sleep hygiene, and addressing any complications of diabetes.