A good night's sleep is often advised to diabetics for better blood sugar management. However, ironically, diabetes with its many complications ends up impacting sleep quality which can further interfere with the management of the disease. Getting up frequently to answer nature's call, parched throat or the constant need to munch something can come in the way of a deep and relaxed sleep.
Managing your blood sugar levels could help address some of these symptoms. Diabetes-friendly low Glycemic index foods like green vegetables, fruits, carrots, chickpeas, lentils, regular walks and exercise, avoiding sugary treats and junk food, and managing stress are all healthy lifestyle changes for nipping the disease in the bud.
Too many loo visits
One of the ways your body gets rid of excess sugar or for that matter waste is through urine. When you have extra sugar in your bloodstream, your kidney may work overtime to remove it from the body and this can make your bladder overactive. As a result, you may have to make too many washroom visits at night. This condition is referred to as nocturia.
Sweat-soaked bed sheet or pillow covers
Do you often wake up drenched in your sweat? It could be related to diabetes. It can cause excessive sweating as the metabolic disorder can overstimulate the sweat glands. If you are waking up with a wet pillow or bed sheets, it could mean low blood sugar levels. Research says 84% of people with diabetes experience too much sweating or hyperhidrosis which is caused by extreme fluctuation of glucose levels.
Dry throat interfering with sleep
Your throat may feel parched and dry in the night. This could happen because of dehydration caused by frequent urination. Dry mouth is common in diabetics due to high blood sugar levels. People who have uncontrolled glucose levels may produce less saliva than others, which can also cause this condition. This cycle of drinking water and going to the loo can give sleepless nights to diabetics.
Blurry vision interrupting your book-reading sessions
If things go blurry at night and interrupt your leisure-time reading, it's a sign of diabetes retinopathy. This happens because high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels and nerves in your eyes. Retinopathy can lead to distorted vision and a decreased field of vision.
Post-dinner hunger is real for diabetics
Diabetes can cause insatiable hunger. One may have an irresistible urge to munch even after a full meal. This is also referred to as diabetic hyperphagia or polyphagia. People with diabetes encounter this problem because insulin imbalance can interrupt with transfer of sugar into energy.
