Are you someone who frequently falls asleep after eating sugar? What do you think? Is falling asleep after eating sugar a sign of diabetes? Should you be alert if you frequently feel fatigued after eating a meal?
In this article, we will take a look at the link between sleepiness and diabetes. We will also take a look at what happens when you eat sugar and even examine the warning signs you should look for that your body is having trouble managing sugar. Let’s dive in without further ado.
What happens when you eat sugar?
Have you ever wondered what happens when you eat sugar? When you eat straight-up sugar, it gets absorbed into one’s bloodstream almost immediately. This will cause an immediate peak in one’s blood sugar levels thereby triggering the pancreas to start insulin production. The insulin thus produced will transport the excess sugar from one’s bloodstream to the cells. In the cells, this excess sugar will be either converted into energy or stored as glycogen in one’s liver and muscles. The rest of the sugar will be converted into fat. This is what happens when you eat sugar.
Warning signs your body is having trouble managing sugar
Now, let’s take a look at the warning signs your body is having trouble managing sugar one should look out for. Most of the time, looking out for these signs may help you to detect an early symptom of diabetes.
Blurred vision
Rapidly changing blood sugar levels can make the kens of your eye swell up. It can also damage the small blood vessels of the eye.
Frequent urination
A person who has a high amount of sugar in their system will urinate more than usual. This increased urination is one of how your body tries to get rid of excess sugar.
Dry mouth and increased thirst
The frequent urination caused by increased blood sugar levels will forcibly expel all the body fluids. This will lead to dehydration which will result in a dry mouth, itchy skin, and an increased amount of thirst.
Increased hunger
The increased blood sugar level can lead to a situation called insulin resistance thereby not converting any sugar that enters your body into energy. This will make your body believe that it hasn’t received enough food, making you remain extremely hungry.
Excessive weight gain
Excessive weight gain especially around the midsection is yet another warning sign your body is having trouble managing sugar. This happens as our liver continuously converts the excess sugar into fat.
The link between sleepiness and diabetes
So, is falling asleep after eating sugar a sign of diabetes? Most of us aren’t aware of the huge impact diabetes or an imbalance in blood sugar levels can bring about in one’s sleep habits. The link between sleepiness and diabetes is extremely strong. As high blood sugar levels will lead to frequent urination people dealing with diabetes will not be able to enjoy good quality sleep. Furthermore, high blood sugar levels also cause uncomfortable nerve pain in one’s legs and feet. The blood sugar fluctuations will also cause anxiety which will further disrupt one’s sleep quality.
This continuous sleep deprivation will ultimately disrupt one’s metabolic health thereby increasing one’s insulin resistance. This will further cause disruptions in one’s blood sugar balance thereby forming a vicious and continuous cycle one may find stuck in.
When post-meal sleepiness may indicate diabetes?
Can post-meal sleepiness indicate diabetes? If so, then why? Let’s find out, shall we?
After having a meal individuals who are diabetic will experience a rapid rise in their blood sugar level. As a result, an excess amount of insulin will be released into one’s bloodstream. This will trigger a steep crash in one’s blood sugar levels making one feel fatigued. Furthermore, the rapid shifts in one’s insulin level will induce the secretion of sleep neurotransmitters like melatonin, orexin, GABA, etc. So, because of all these reasons, post-meal sleepiness can be an indicator of diabetes. So, when should you be aware of your post-meal sleepiness and check out whether it is an indicator of diabetes? Let’s see.
- If you feel drowsy or sleepy frequently after having a meal, irrespective of the meal’s size.
- If you feel sleepy one to two hours after having a meal.
- If you experience signs like jitteriness, irritability, anxiety, intense cravings, headaches, etc. after having a meal. But are these the only signs one should look out for? In what other instances should you get tested for diabetes?
Should you get tested for diabetes? Signs one should look out for
So, when should you get tested for diabetes? Above all the warning signs mentioned above there are a few other signs that will help you determine when to conduct a blood test.
High blood sugar levels can slow down the healing of your cuts and bruises. So, if your injuries take more time to heal conduct a blood test. Further, as nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels will cause tingling in one’s hands and feet, look out for them. This is especially true if you have been experiencing pins and needles. Further, also look out for any unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of the abovementioned symptoms go ahead and take a blood test.
Tips for avoiding blood sugar crashes
Have you ever wondered whether living well with diabetes if diagnosed is possible? By following these minute lifestyle changes one will not only be able to avoid blood sugar crashes but also to keep on living well with diabetes if diagnosed.
Eat small meals
Split your meals into small portions and plan them throughout your day. Taking small frequent meals throughout the day will stabilize one’s blood sugar levels.
Replace simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates
Customize your diet and replace simple carbohydrates like white rice, pasta, bread, etc. with complex carbohydrates as complex carbohydrates have a low glycemic index.
Increase your protein intake
Add more healthy proteins like lean meat, fish, nuts, beans, eggs, legumes, etc into your diet. It will slow down the pace of your digestion thereby preventing you from experiencing any sort of sugar crashes.
Stay away from high-sugar foods and drinks
Food sources like candy, juice, soda, cakes, etc. are food sources that will break down quickly thereby causing a rapid increase in one’s blood sugar levels.
Pay attention to your body weight
Obesity or being overweight can make it difficult for one’s body to use up the insulin and control blood sugar levels. So, by losing a bit of weight one will be able to control their blood sugar levels thereby preventing one from experiencing any blood sugar crashes.
Opt for an active lifestyle
Try to lead an active lifestyle as healthy exercise can increase the insulin sensitivity of one’s body cells. By making your body use up the insulin properly your body will be able to prevent sugar crashes.
Diabetes risk factors beyond sleep after eating
Now, let’s take a look at the other diabetes risk factors beyond sleep after eating to help you be prepared. For example, if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes stay on your toes and be vigilant. It goes the same for if you are suffering from hypertension, heart disease, etc. Even Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases one’s chance of being a diabetic. Finally, stay vigilant as you age, especially after the age of 45. These are some of the diabetes risk factors beyond sleep after eating one should look out for to stay ahead of the game.
Final result
So, hopefully, you have found an answer to the question, is falling asleep after eating sugar a sign of diabetes? Yes, mild drowsiness or occasionally falling asleep after having a meal may not be an issue. But frequent post-meal sleepiness is an issue one should look out for. Remember to pay more attention to your sleep patterns. In this manner, one will be able to take immediate precautions which will help one to stay on top of their health. Remember getting diagnosed as quickly as possible will increase your chances of recovery.
So, have you been experiencing post-meal drowsiness? If so, are you planning on getting blood work done? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
