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For Several Years,I Have Experienced Extreme Muscle Weakness And Fatigue
Question: For several years,I have experienced extreme muscle weakness and fatigue after eating .It does not matter if it sis a high protein or high carb meal .I am not diabetic, AIC 5.7 and steady for years.
Brief Answer:
Glucose and insulin changes soon after eating may be the cause (this does not mean you have diabetes)
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Fatigue after eating is a common symptom and some patients have it more than others. Most of the time it is related to a sudden temporary increase in glucose (this does not mean you have diabetes). This fast surge in glucose levels in the blood is followed by a fast increase in the level of insulin, which further causes tiredness and fatigue.
I would recommend you to eat 5 small meals instead of 2-3 main meals. This will avoid big amounts of food at a time and will alleviate your symptoms. Also, try to avoid table sugar or very sweet things. It is best to take sugar in the form of fruity sugars (contained in fruit) as these are not so easily absorbed as the table sugar.
Try to eat slow, not to hurry. Eating fast may cause a lot of sugar available to be absorbed in a short time and a faster increase in glucose levels and consequent insulin raise.
Meanwhile, you may try to measure your glucose level soon after eating, one hour and two hours after eating to see if there is a quick change in the sugar levels (beyond the normal levels) which may be the cause of the symptoms.
A general check would be advisable to see your health in general (TSH, FT4, CBC, ERS, ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine and electrolytes, ECG, etc).
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case any further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Glucose and insulin changes soon after eating may be the cause (this does not mean you have diabetes)
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Fatigue after eating is a common symptom and some patients have it more than others. Most of the time it is related to a sudden temporary increase in glucose (this does not mean you have diabetes). This fast surge in glucose levels in the blood is followed by a fast increase in the level of insulin, which further causes tiredness and fatigue.
I would recommend you to eat 5 small meals instead of 2-3 main meals. This will avoid big amounts of food at a time and will alleviate your symptoms. Also, try to avoid table sugar or very sweet things. It is best to take sugar in the form of fruity sugars (contained in fruit) as these are not so easily absorbed as the table sugar.
Try to eat slow, not to hurry. Eating fast may cause a lot of sugar available to be absorbed in a short time and a faster increase in glucose levels and consequent insulin raise.
Meanwhile, you may try to measure your glucose level soon after eating, one hour and two hours after eating to see if there is a quick change in the sugar levels (beyond the normal levels) which may be the cause of the symptoms.
A general check would be advisable to see your health in general (TSH, FT4, CBC, ERS, ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine and electrolytes, ECG, etc).
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case any further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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