What Causes Extreme Exhaustion After Working Out?

Posted on Thu, 10 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 19 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've been Pre-D for a year. Haven't been testing lately but had been showing around 104-110. Tonight my Glucose was 149. I'm swimming an hour a day + going to Curves afterward for 4-5 days a week. I come home so extremely exhausted and unable to function for hours later. I'm 5'4", 270# and so try not to eat much starches. I just am afraid to eat those things now and yet without them I'm worse (feeling) than ever. Tonight, 4 hours after working out, I ate a small amount of Lasagna, mostly sauce and meat. I am picking up, don't feel like crying now from exhaustion. How do I work out and NOT feel like this all the time? It is frightening and I am afraid I'll never lose weight if I can't work out!

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Exhaustion

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your symptoms.

Having Pre diabetes cannot cause these symptoms.

It would be worth checking for a thyroid problem.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (12 hours later)

Thank you for such a detailed response. I won't be able to see a dr for another week and will take a copy of your suggestions. I've had the same tests before but they always say there's nothing wrong with my thyroid level. Perhaps something has changed. Also, the 25 hydroxy Vitamin D - is that something a test or is it something I can purchase?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
25 hydroxy Vitamin D is a blood test which can be done at anytime of the day as it does not require fasting

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar