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Diabetes and Fatigue (Lethargy)

Lethargy

Diabetes and fatigue also called, exhaustion, languidness, languor, lassitude, and listlessness is a weariness usually causedby exertion. It can describe a range of afflictions, varying from a general state of lethargy to a specific work-induced burning sensation within one's muscles.

Diabetes and fatigue go hand in hand when undiagnosed and your body is not using its blood sugar normally. It can be both physical and mental.

Physical fatigue is the inability to continue functioning at the level of one's normal abilities.

It is everywhere in everyday life, but usually becomes particularly noticeable during strenuous exercise.

Mental fatigue, on the other hand, rather manifests as drowsiness, a strong desire to sleep.

Fatigue is considered a symptom, as opposed to a medical sign, because it is reported by the patient instead of being observed by others.

Physical Fatigue

Physical fatigue or a lack of strength is the inability to use your muscles as you normally would.

The doctor will do a strength test to diagnose the problem you have to help identify the cause. He will try to identify what type of muscle weakness you have.

It can be peripheral or a central muscle weakness. Meaning just in your limbs or your whole body.

True weakness can be substantial, while perceived weakness is a sensation of having to put more effort into doing the same task.

Central muscle weakness is an exhaustion of the whole body, while peripheral weakness is an exhaustion of individual muscles.

Mental Fatigue

In addition to physical, diabetes and fatigue also includes mental fatigue, not necessarily including any muscle fatigue. Such a mental fatigue, can manifest itself both as drowsiness (decreased wakefulness) or just as a decrease of attention, not necessarily including sleepiness.

In any case, this can be dangerous when performing tasks that require constant concentration, such as driving a vehicle. For instance, a person who is sufficiently drowsy may experience micro sleeps.

However, objective cognitive testing should be done to tell exactly what the cause is. Not all lethargy is caused by diabetes.

Causes

Fatigue is typically the result of working, mental stress, over stimulation and under stimulation, jet lag or active recreation, depression, and also boredom, disease and lack of sleep.

It may also have chemical causes, such as poisoning or mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Massive blood loss, resulting in anemia, frequently results in fatigue.

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