Can Falling Asleep After Eating Be a Sign of Diabetes?

Sweet Dreams or Warning Signs?

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, with rates climbing steadily every year. Left unchecked, it can have devastating long-term health effects. Fortunately, there are diet and lifestyle interventions that can help keep your blood sugar stable and possibly prevent the progression of this disease. If you find yourself wondering, “Is falling asleep after eating a sign of diabetes?” then this article is for you.

Below we outline what type 2 diabetes is, its long-term health effects, signs and symptoms to watch out for and recommendations to help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

What is Diabetes?

Generally, when talking about diabetes, we refer to either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. There is also another form of diabetes called gestational diabetes that happens during pregnancy, but most pregnant people are closely monitored for this occurrence. There are some key differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes that are important to understand.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin. In this form of diabetes, immune cells attack the pancreas leading to an inability to make the insulin required to manage blood sugar levels. People with this form of diabetes require insulin injections and careful monitoring of their blood glucose.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that makes up roughly 90-95% of all diabetic cases. While Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin production, type 2 diabetes is associated with something called insulin resistance or relative insulin deficiency. In Type 2 diabetes, the body is still producing insulin, but it may not be able to produce enough to adequately balance blood glucose, and over time the cells in the body may become less receptive to the effects of insulin.

What is Insulin?

Insulin is an important hormone that helps maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range. When produced by the kidneys, it signals to the cells that it is time to uptake glucose from the bloodstream to be used as energy. If they become less responsive to insulin, all that glucose continues circulating in the bloodstream. Unfortunately, too much sugar in the bloodstream is toxic and can cause long-term health effects such as:

• Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Heart disease and/or hypertension.
• Stroke.
• Peripheral artery disease.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Diabetic neuropathy.
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Diabetic nephropathy.
• Immune dysfunction.

The long-term effects of unregulated blood sugar levels can have devastating consequences, including the loss of limbs or vision.

What are the Common Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Initially, the signs of type 2 diabetes can be subtle, as the body works hard to maintain homeostasis and blood sugar levels. However, there are some common symptoms to watch for which may indicate an underlying issue with your blood sugar levels:

• Frequent urination.
• Blurred vision.
• Excessive thirst or hunger.
• Excessive fatigue or lack of energy.
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands and/or feet.
• Slow wound healing.
• Recurrent illnesses or infections.
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, ask your doctor about running blood tests to rule out type 2 diabetes.

Is Falling Asleep After Eating a Sign of Diabetes?

It can be. Two conditions associated with type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), can both cause fatigue or post-meal sleepiness. Since the body is struggling to extract energy from the foods that are being eaten, specifically from carbohydrates, you can end up with a lack of energy after eating. For some people, they may end up so tired that they fall asleep after eating due to the rapid rises or falls in blood sugar levels.

However, there may be other causes of feeling sleepy after eating that are easy to control:

Dehydration

Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to maintain energy levels.

Eating Too Much

When you eat too much in a single meal, it can make you feel sleepy as your body works hard to digest everything.

Eating Too Many Fried or Processed Foods

These foods can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to fatigue.

Diet and Lifestyle Suggestions for Type 2 Diabetes

Some people may be more prone to developing Type 2 diabetes; however, many diet and lifestyle suggestions can help prevent or manage it. Incorporate the following into your healthcare plan to support healthy blood sugar levels:

1. Quit smoking. Smokers have a 30-40% increased risk of developing diabetes.
2. Move your body regularly. Find a physical activity you enjoy. Regular movement helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
3. Eat a healthy diet. The American Diabetes Association has developed a great tool to help create a healthy diet with the Diabetes Plate Method.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Practice stress management techniques.
6. Prioritize deep, restful sleep.

By incorporating some or all of these suggestions into your daily routine, you will be well on your way to keeping blood glucose balanced and preventing type 2 diabetes.