We all feel fatigued at times; it may be due to working long hours, looking after family or, just because we are growing older!  Energy resources are doubly challenged when you have diabetes.
 Changes in blood glucose levels have a significant effect on our vitality.
 Our body runs low on energy and then our blood sugar levels are either too high or too low.
  Fluctuations occur for several reasons:

• physical activity is a major cause of  hypoglycemia in people using insulin or oral diabetes medications
• not eating enough carbohydrates to balance your medication resulting in fatigue and severe headaches
• long term insulin users can develop "hypoglycemic unawareness".
   They experience none of the usual signs of sweating, racing heart, anxiety or trembling.
    This makes it more difficult to take early action to avoid the effects of low levels.
  
• stress will increase your blood levels

Beware of tiredness creeping up in such a way you may not register how much your energy levels have fallen.
   How can you energize yourself? 1.
  Don't Forget to Drink Fluids.
  It is important to keep up your fluid intake as even mild dehydration can cause fatigue.
  Dehydration can also lead to an increase in blood sugar.
  Calming herbal teas are more beneficial than caffeine based drinks.
 Caffeine:  

• small amounts may affect your brain in such a way you are not aware you are fatigued
• drinking too many cups of tea, coffee or soft drinks, leads to restlessness and interferes with sleep
• if you are dependent on caffeine reduce your intake gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms

2.
Master your Moods.
  Calm down, relax and take it easy.
  Research is now beginning to reveal just how important stress management is when it comes to diabetes.
  Overwork and pushing yourself too hard are common causes of fatigue.
 These stress relieving techniques could help:  

• being clear when it is appropriate to say no to unreasonable demands
• learning to breathe more evenly, deeply and slowly.
    This can help turn off the body's stress switch and reduce blood sugar levels
• taking regular breaks from a sedentary job.
   Walk around the room or take a walk outside the building during your lunch break.
  
• soaking in the bath
• sitting quietly and listening to  music, or reading a book
• meditating is another way to help you relax
• taking up a hobby, something you really enjoy

3.
Sleep Soundly.
  A basic way to feel less stressed during the day is to get enough sleep at night.
  Research shows that not having enough sleep may contribute to insulin resistance.
  One reason is that poor sleepers often experience sleep apnea; this is a condition that interferes with normal breathing and has been linked to diabetes.

• don't sleep in on weekends as this could throw your body out of rhythm and make it difficult to get to sleep at night
• reserve the bedroom for sleep, make sure it's a peaceful environment
• if you don't fall asleep within 30 minutes, get out of bed and read a boring book
• if you wake up during the night stay in bed as you will have a better chance of getting back to sleep.
    At least your body will be resting.
  

The good news is if you take action you can reverse the symptoms of fatigue.