Being tired following exercise is one sign of diabetes -- but it's also a symptom of a myriad other conditions, most of them not as serious. Diabetes affects the way your body processes food into glucose, and it exists in two forms: Type 1 and Type 2. It is a life-threatening condition if left untreated. If tiredness is your only symptom, it is likely you are suffering from a different condition.
Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
Exercise has more benefits than drawbacks for people with diabetes. However, physical activity also lowers blood sugar levels, and if your levels get too low, you can become shaky, anxious and experience an increased heart rate. Having an excessively low blood sugar levels is known as hypoglycemia. People without diabetes can be hypoglycemic, but people with diabetes often experience this condition when their blood sugar levels get out of whack. Hypoglycemia can result in tiredness, along with hunger, shakiness, confusion and weakness. Familydoctor.org recommends keeping 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate on hand, such as raisins, fruit juice or glucose tablets, in case you start becoming hypoglycemic while working out,
Diabetes Symptoms
If being tired after exercise is your only symptom, it is likely that diabetes is not the cause. If you experience tiredness accompanied by hypoglycemia symptoms, then you may suffer from low blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and irritability. Type 2 diabetes includes the same symptoms, with the addition of blurred vision, frequent infections and tingling in the hands and feet.
Other Causes
Without other diabetic symptoms, it is possible another factor is causing your tiredness. For example, long-distance runners and marathoners tend to sleep unusual amounts during training. Dr. Alex Chediak, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, told The New York Times he believes this sort of running releases hormones called cytokines, which make people drowsy. Another simple explanation could be that you are trying too much too soon. If you are used to walking two miles and then decide to go on a 5-mile jog, your body may respond differently. Similarly, if you are not properly fueling your body prior to a workout, or are dehydrated, your energy may tank quickly. Getting a healthy blend of carbohydrates, protein and fats prior to working out will give you enough fuel for your activity. If you plan to work out less than an hour, eat a snack an hour or two before exercise. If you plan to work out longer than an hour, eat 30 to 60 minutes prior to exercise. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrate prior to exercise, during and after. Drink two to three cups of water before and after your workout and roughly half to one cup of water while exercising.
Recommendation
Diabetes is a life-changing condition that you must take seriously. If you have any suspicion you suffer from this disease, see you doctor immediately. Gone untreated, diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, high blood pressure, nervous system disease and even death.
References
- iVillage Health; Why Am I So Tired After Exercising?; Madelyn Fernstrom; March 2010
- Familydoctor.org; Diabetes and Exercise; October 2010
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Hypoglycemia; October 2008
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics -- Symptoms
- "The New York Times"; Sleep After Hard Workouts? You Must Be Dreaming; Gina Kolata; Sept. 13, 2007
- MayoClinic: Fitness -- Eating and Exercise
