Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar level or glucose turns quite high. This shows up when pancreas does not make needful amount of insulin. When your system does not respond suitably to insulin, it is likely to cause diabetes. Almost all types of diabetes are life-long or chronic. Glad news is- it can be managed with medications. But, is feeling sleepy after eating a sign of diabetes? It is recommended to understand this further.
Your body gets its supply of sugars i.e., glucose from the foods you eat and beverages you drink. Sugars offer energy for your body to work. It is through your blood glucose is carried all through the body. In this light, insulin works as a trigger for sugars to be used up properly. It is your pancreas that makes insulin; if there is not enough insulin, your blood sees a spike in sugar level.
If high blood sugar is not managed, it may impair your nerve health, cardiac wellbeing and may also damage your eyes. Distinct signs of diabetes include frequent urges to pee (urinate) and staying thirsty almost always.
Of the many types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 are widely evidenced. Type 1 is considered an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when your own immune cells attack insulin-making sections of your pancreas.
On the other hand, type 2 form of diabetes is an outcome of inadequate supply of insulin. It can also occur when your system turns resistant to insulin i.e., insulin resistance. Of the several forms, type 2 is more common. Adults are more likely to get it. But, in some instances, children too are known to have it.
Is feeling sleepy after eating a sign of diabetes?
Sleepy sensation soon after eating is not always a sign of diabetes. It is usually taken as an outcome of digestion. Sleepiness also depends on types of foods you eat. But, in some cases, it is considered a key symptom of diabetes mellitus. This can be sign of both type 2 and type 1 forms of this medical condition.
In general, being tired is a result of changes in your glucose level. These changes are mostly observed among people living with diabetes mellitus. In medical parlance, these changes are termed as hypoglycemia (low glucose) or as hyperglycemia (increase in sugars). Research done on either of these effects evidence tiredness as a sign.
Of these, hyperglycemia makes you feel sleepy after eating. This happens when insulin is not functioning to its potential. It is also likely your body is not making adequate amount of insulin. Caveat: changes in blood sugar may occur among people living with diabetes and may also show-up among non-diabetic individuals.
So, how to know is feeling sleepy after eating a sign of diabetes? It is possible to come to a conclusion if you observe a few other signs. Other signs – apart of feeling sleepy after food – are feeling thirsty, numbing of fingers or toes, blurring of eyesight, frequent need to urinate, etc.
In some people, there is an inexplicable loss of body weight. Upon observing one or more of the aforesaid signs, it is important to consult with a doctor immediately. Sleepiness is more pronounced among people who consume a lot of carbs.
Carbohydrates are present in sizable proportion in foods such as rice, corn, bread, potato, etc. An active person needs 2,400 calories per day. Intake of excessive amounts of calories soon results in weight gain and accumulation if glucose.
In general, you are advised to take carbs-rich foods in moderation. It is a good practice to consult with a dietitian to understand which foods to take. You can know more about – is feeling sleepy after eating a sign of diabetes by talking to a medical practitioner.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.