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Confusion, concentration, headaches, tiredness

A

Albannach

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hello all,

After feeling increasingly under the weather, I had bloods tested which revealed I am Type 2.

Still learning about it all, but my figures of 7 and 51 for HPA1c would appear to be at the lower end of the range.

But I am wondering if others have these symptoms, and indeed if they are symptoms of diabetes or potentially something else. I have been feeling exhausted for months, and on some bad days am ready to go to bed by late afternoon. I find myself increasingly suffering from confusion and forgetfulness, and almost constant headaches. It’s like a combination of feeling heavy after dragging yourself out the swimming pool, and not sleeping.

Is that from dehydration and/or last of energy getting into cells? Also impact on sleep from having to get up once or twice a night to pee?

Given my numbers are just over pre diabetic, I’m pretty concerned that the symptoms are so severe. I can hardly concentrate anymore, and it’s really made normal life almost impossible to lead anymore. Almost starting to think it’s like dementia.

Any thoughts gratefully received.
 
Welcome to the forum
As you say although you are over the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis it is only just over. Some people will get the symptoms you describe when only at that level but for others even in triple figures they may not. High blood glucose affects every cell in the body including the brain.
Obviously it would be wise to speak to your GP as there are many other things that could be a reason, vitamin deficiency, kidney function, anaemia, hormonal changes for which they should be able to blood tests to check.
However in the meantime making some dietary changes to reduce your intake of carbohydrates that should help with symptoms if it is high blood glucose which is the cause.
Have a look at this link for some ideas for modifying your diet, it is a low carb approach which many have found successful in reducing blood glucose and losing weight if you need to. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
 
Have you had your thyroid tested?
It is a very long time since I was diagnosed, but a failing thyroid can cause similar problems - it took a long time to diagnose, it got very bad before I got the diagnosis, as a thyroid can struggle and recover over and over until it finally sinks.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I should have added that I’ve mentioned this to the GP, but he surmised it was just the effect of the cells not getting enough energy.

It’s just overwhelming that I can feel like this at such a low level.

Blood tests also checked for thyroid and anaemia, but ok on that score.

Gave a urine sample to diabetes nurse last week and awaiting results.

Hopefully diet changes, and more exercise and hydration will help, but been a few weeks now with little improvement.

Will go back to GP in due course. Just wondered how typical that was. It’s just having such an impact on my ability to function mentally, concentrate on reading, etc.
 
Have you had your vitamin D tested @Albannach ? Low vitamin D can cause tiredness and weakness. Another thought - could you have sleep apnoea? That can cause extreme tiredness during the day.
 
Good to hear you have had a few extra things checked out like anemia and thyroid.

Hope your symptoms begin to ease soon.
 
Sorry to hear you're feeling so bad. Definitely go back to GP, I'm surprised you're feeling quite this unwell at these levels. Let us know how you get on.
 
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