Fatigue and lack of well-being

[Wraithshadow]

I have recently been told I am diabetic after a HBa1c test at Xmas. I have lost a stone or two since then but note I feel deeply lethargic and get desperately hungry every 3 or 4 hours. I am trying to do alot more exercise and eat healthily. Recently, I added brown whole meal carbs to my diet, but in moderation. My morning, pre-breakfast blood tests were poor for a while - 10 mmol/l - but they are much improved now (around 8 mmol/l) and my post-prandial readings after meals are also better; typically, <7 mmol/l after 2 hours. But I still feel fatigued at times - this can change through the day and at times have other symptoms such as restless leg syndrome, blurry vision (improving), irritability, headaches and sudden memory issues. Basically, I feel a bit grotty at times. I am having another HBa1C on Monday and will see my Doctor after that. If offered Metformin, given the circumstances, should I accept the drug and would it make me feel less fatigued and give me an improved feeling of well being? My weight is well under 18 stones now but I can of course reduce it much more and hopefully this will help, but I'm finding the process of dieting is hard work when you have diabetes and your reducing your calorie intake...Any suggestions or comments would be well received, thanks.

 

[Northerner]

Hi @Wraithshadow, sorry to hear you are not feeling great It sounds like you have made a great start in trying to tackle things, and it's good to hear you are testing and managing to bring your blood sugar levels under control 🙂 These are big changes that you are making, and it will take time for your body to adapt and get used to the 'new you', so try to keep at it - things will improve for you in time, I am sure 🙂 When I get hungry in between meals I tend to snack on low or non-carb things, like a bit of cheese or some nuts (walnuts are especially good for you 🙂) I find that these will quickly curb the cravings and hunger. If you do fancy something a little sweeter I'd suggest a couple of squares of high-cocoa content chocolate - the higher the better - as this is very low carb. Allowing it to melt slowly in your mouth can help suppress the hunger pangs. Also, drinking water with a little lemon juice in it can help (I use Jif lemon juice, not the pre-prepared 'hint of lemon' drinks you can get, as they are often sweetened).

As things are improving for you and you are continuing to lose weight, I'm not sure metformin would be appropriate for you at the moment, but do discuss it with your doctor. The side-effects can be pretty rotten, especially to begin with. If it was me, I would see what the new HbA1c is, and take it from there.

Are you on any other medications? Do discuss how you have been feeling with your doctor or nurse, it may be that not all you are experiencing is due to diabetes. Hopefully, others will be along soon to share their experiences 🙂