Fatigue as i get older

[Richard F]

I've been T1 for 46yrs now, as I approach my 66 birthday I've noticed a definite lack of energy and stamina.

12 yrs ago I really worked on my fitness levels, fitter at 60 than I was at 50, but the last few yrs seem to have really caught up with me. I was diagnosed with heart failure 6 months ago, I've been on meds and working on this showing some definite improvement. I know I'm also showing some peripheral neuropathy.

Is this just aging or is diabetes a contributory factor? Anyone else notice this?

All my blood tests (and I've had plenty over the last 6 months) check out okay

 

[Fern Hopper]

I don't think it's inevitable.
At 66 and 57 years diabetic I can run a 48 minute 10k, a 23 minute 5k, a 1:58 half marathon. I even got up to run at 04.00 with a couple of club mates who were doing a 24 hour challenge.
We are all so different!
The worst thing for me has been cancer diagnosis and treatment.

 

[Richard F]

Sorry to hear about the cancer, but pleased you're keeping energy levels up.

 

[Ushthetaff]

I think the old adage of “ old age doesn’t come alone” in my experience is very true. I think an increase in fatigue and lack of stamina can be expected , along with aches pains and making strange noises when getting up off the sofa to name but a few , that along with existing medical conditions can definitely be a contributing factor ,

I don't think it's inevitable.
At 66 and 57 years diabetic I can run a 48 minute 10k, a 23 minute 5k, a 1:58 half marathon. I even got up to run at 04.00 with a couple of club mates who were doing a 24 hour challenge.
We are all so different!
The worst thing for me has been cancer diagnosis and treatment.

firstly sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis , I hope your treatment goes a well and is successful , I think fatigue and lack of stamina is inevitable as you get older , in relation to when you were younger , it doesn’t mean you don’t have fitness or stamina , it’s just at a reduced rate , I use to cycle 10 miles to work , do a 12 hour shift ( in heavy industry) cycle 10 miles home , then do 2 hrs rugby training , definitely would take the car now , I suppose it’s all relative

 

[MrsA2]

I was diagnosed with heart failure 6 months ago, I've been on meds and working on this showing some definite improvement.

Imho, and I'm not a doctor, I'd say this heart issue is affecting your fatigue more than diabetes or age is
I have the latter 2 and quite good energy, but my sister had heart failure and could hardly put one foot in front of the other
I'd suggest you contact your GP, maybe there's a medication tweak that might help?

 

[PatsyB]

I have fatigue aches in all my muscles and they not sure what causing it had blood tests shows low in Vit D and Folic Acid so hav eto have vit therapy now as well as iron infusions so maybe best to have some blood tests and see if anything comes to light.

 

[Richard F]

Thanks all for the reply. With diabetes and heart failure I'm fully up to speed with various blood tests Inc iron.i remember a conversation with a colleague 20yrs ago. She lived with an elderly realative who had T1, she used to ask if I suffered fatigue, as elderly realative used to.

My best guess is its a combination of things, including age. The last 5 yrs lack of get up and go, feel really noticeable.

 

[Prancy]

I am surprised that I actually have more energy than I had 10 years ago. Last year I went on a weight loss journey, high nutrition, daily work outs, etc, Then got new pump….it’s all helped me. Still, I’ve encountered some health issues. They are improving. My dad has a heart condition and it has caused him fatigue in the past. His cardiologist has provided treatment options that helped a great deal. He’s 87 and has had heart disease for many years and quadruple bypass in 2000.

Please everyone….if possible REQUEST a Vitamin B12 test. Test, before you start a supplement. I had a significant deficiency before my weight loss. It can cause fatigue, tingling, rashes, digestive issues and many other problems. It’s common, according to my neurologist, though it goes undetected. Even if you take it orally, you can have difficulty digesting it. Some people have to take injections or sublingual, like me. I was diagnosed last year, but undertreated until my neurologist figured out my symptoms. With proper treatment, I’m seeing amazing improvements!

 

[Deleted member 527103]

I am a little younger but approaching 60 faster than I would like.
Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1. I was lucky these years have been a time of change with diabetes management so have been able to make the most of changes to basal - bolus, pump and CGM. I think this has helped me continue to maintain a relatively low hba1c over the years.
I do not like to sit still so find myself fitter than others at my age and as fit as I was 25 years ago before diabetes. However, I find recovery from injury or illness takes longer. For example, I damaged my hip at the start of the year and finally starting to feel it is back to normal after months of rest them physio then constant focused exercise. I know i was told in my 30s that I should not expect to recover as fast as Beckham so probably not surprised but that doesn't stop me.
Looking at my 80 year old Mum and 75 year old MIL, the difference is obvious. Not from age but from the one who has continued their exercise and maintained it compared to the one who spends more time *relaxing" needing two hip replacements and other medical issues.