What Causes Extreme Fatigue While Suffering From Diabetes?

Tiredness may be due to anemia (low hemoglobin level). Diabetes does not directly cause anemia, but certain complications of diabetes can contribute to it. For example, both diabetes-related kidney disease (nephropathy) and nerve damage (neuropathy) can contribute to the development of anemia. In addition, taking certain oral diabetes drugs can raise the risk of developing anemia. People with diabetes can also have anemia as a result of not eating well or of having a condition that interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Normally, the kidneys secrete a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In diabetic nephropathy, the amount of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys is reduced, leading to anemia. In people who have autonomic neuropathy, the body may not be able to properly signal the kidneys to produce more erythropoietin in response to anemia. Metformin is the most widely prescribed treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes. It is now recognized that metformin can cause malabsorption of vitamin B12 and that long-term use of metformin leads to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia. Another type of diabetes drug, rosiglitazone, can also cause mild anemia by slightly decreasing hemoglobin levels. Advice 1. Consult an endocrinologist so that he can diagnose cause of anemia in you 2. Take proper treatment of diabetes as suggested by your doctor 3. Folic acid 5 mg per oral daily for 3 months 4. Methylcobalamin 500 mcg once daily per oral for 3 months 5. Ferrous Sulphate 150 mg daily per oral for 3 months 6. Investigations – Hb%, peripheral smear examination of blood, CBC, lipid profile, serum creatinine, blood urea, serum sodium & potassium Treatment of anemia due to diabetic nephropathy is treated by erythropoietin, but needs to be taken under close medical supervision. Thanks