Do you sweat a lot at night?
Night sweats, often attributed to hot flashes or stress, may actually be a sign of nocturnal hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases adrenaline in response, causing excessive sweating. This is a symptom to watch out for if it occurs frequently.
Do you suddenly wake up feeling hungry or with your heart pounding?
Hypoglycemia may also be accompanied by tremors, food cravings, confusion, or anxiety. If you wake up in the middle of the night feeling these symptoms, it could be a sign of a blood sugar imbalance that needs to be corrected.
Do you feel like you can’t control your legs?
Restless legs syndrome may be linked to diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage caused by poor blood sugar control. Tingling, tension, or numbness can make it difficult to fall asleep and disrupt sleep.
Do you snore or have trouble breathing?
Sleep apnea, often overlooked, is common in people with type 2 diabetes. It primarily affects overweight or obese individuals, who are already at risk for insulin resistance. And the more disrupted sleep becomes, the more imbalanced the metabolism becomes.
Do you often feel thirsty at night?
Intense thirst accompanied by dry mouth upon awakening is not an insignificant symptom. It may indicate dehydration due to high blood sugar. The body attempts to compensate for fluid loss through urination by stimulating the sensation of thirst, a condition called polydipsia.
Despite a good night’s sleep, do you feel exhausted?
Chronic fatigue can be a sign of poor glucose uptake by cells. The result: a persistent lack of energy, as if the body hasn’t fully recovered, despite eight hours of sleep.
Do you ever have a dry mouth when you wake up?
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common symptom of diabetes. It can cause repeated nighttime awakenings and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay or oral infections. Often, the causes are inadequate hydration and high blood sugar levels.
Is your sleep often restless or interrupted?
Insomnia, frequent awakenings, and unrefreshing sleep are all conditions that can be linked to nighttime blood sugar fluctuations. These fluctuations prevent the body from fully resting, which affects mood, concentration, and energy the next day.
