Exhaustion - is it me?

[BexC89]

Hi all,

I'll keep this brief - I was diagnosed as a Type 1 in January this year while living overseas.

For the past 2.5 weeks I've had people visiting me and I've been out with them each night after work (sightseeing/dinner etc). I've been having an amazing time but I'm completely and utterly exhausted. I've been getting home and practically passing out straight away.

The problem is, none of them believe me when I try to tell them that I don't have the same amount of energy that I used to. My diabetes is quite well controlled but because I'm so new at this I still experience frequent hypos and with eating out, there has been a lot of fluctuation in my levels (though they do come back to normal by the next meal). I've been told that my exhaustion cannot possibly be related to my diabetes and that I'm just complaining. I personally just think I'm overdoing it and that I'll be fine when I catch up on some sleep and have some proper 'down time'.

I guess I'm just looking for validation that other people have felt this way when they overdo it and that I'm not crazy (I was told during the 5 months leading up to diagnosis that I was 'weak' and 'crazy' and that there was nothing wrong with me... ). How do you explain to someone - and actually get them to listen to you - that you know your body, that you're not making your symptoms up and that as much as they say they understand, they really can't? I'm just heartbroken that my closest friends/family assume that because the doctors say I'm doing well, everything is perfect and that I should have no symptoms.

Thanks for bearing with me.

Bex

 

[Pepsi Max]

I don't know if its been medically proven but yes my energy levels take a dip from time to time. To the point were I nap some weekends & have to talk myself into exercise for the greater good of my BS readings. I also find when I have a hypo I am wiped, in some instances it's like I was hit by a truck. People without Diabetes don't understand & because you are in no physical pain they think you are acting. At the end of the day you are the diabetic & you have to look after yourself!


Diabetic warrior since 2005!

 

[Squire Fulwood]

I(I was told during the 5 months leading up to diagnosis that I was 'weak' and 'crazy' and that there was nothing wrong with me... )

By whom

 

[BexC89]

@ Squire Fulwood - by my partner. He was the only one who saw me in the months prior. It is still very difficult to come to terms with that.

And I went to the GP 3 times during those 5 months (and got new glasses) only to be told there was nothing wrong with me. I ended up self-diagnosing myself and going back to the GP and begged them to test for it. Turns out my HbA1C was 14, I was fasting at 27 and had keytones.

 

[paul-1976]

@ Squire Fulwood - by my partner. He was the only one who saw me in the months prior. It is still very difficult to come to terms with that.

And I went to the GP 3 times during those 5 months (and got new glasses) only to be told there was nothing wrong with me. I ended up self-diagnosing myself and going back to the GP and begged them to test for it. Turns out my HbA1C was 14, I was fasting at 27 and had keytones.

Hi Bex!

You're not on Lantus insulin by any chance? It's just that some users have reported low energy problems-myself being one of them.

Best wishes

Paul

 

[BexC89]

Hi Paul,

Yes, I do use Lantus - have you been given any advice from your specialist about this?

Bex

 

[paul-1976]

Hi Paul,

Yes, I do use Lantus - have you been given any advice from your specialist about this?

Bex

Not as yet as my consultant Endo has retired and I'm still waiting for an appointment with his replacement but did read threads on here describing issues such as ours that resolved on a change of basal insulin..if you type Lantus problems into the search facility on here you should hopefully find those topics..It's a shame..I enjoy great control on Lantus and I'm worried about changing but would like to feel less groggy.

 

[Patch13]

Hi Bex.

I find I get tired quickly and if I over do it I will fall asleep watching tv or pretty much as soon as I sit down and relax in the evening!

However I've had diabetes for about 15 yrs so I'm not sure if I would still be so tired without it or not.

It is frustrating being so tired, but its just something that I'm going to have to put up with & work around (eg napping in the afternoon if I'm out late in the evening).

Interesting that lantus can make you tired - I used to be on it but I'm not any more. Definitely worth reading about it as it sounds interesting.


Patch13


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[Mr Happy]

Without being harsh I would definitely suggest a change of 'significant' other. If this is the level of support you receive then you are far better off without.

The eating out will be a factor, big meals and alcohol will raise sugars and make you feel lethargic. If you're prone to hypos then your body goes into shock mode, steals energy stores and releases adrenaline; all of which have massive impacts.

Keep your chin up!

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[sarahg0810]

Hi Bex! Although I'm a type 2, I have to say that feeling tired is definitely a side effect of the diabetes!! Please don't feel bad about it as you are not alone!! It might be worth talking to your doctor about it and see if they can make things a bit easier with a change of insulin maybe, but don't feel disheartened!! Xx



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