“Does diabetes make one feel very sleepy?”

Yes, as high sugar levels can make you feel tired and fatigued, and if the high blood sugars lead to dehydration and reduced BP and reduced brain blood flow, then sx can include tiredness, fatigue, sleepiness, and, if not treated quickly, can lead to coma and even death.

Diabetes, when not under good control, could most certainly cause lower energy levels and increase in sleepiness. Glucose is needed as an energy source for cells and when the glucose is remaining high in the bloodstream and not adequately be transported into the cells, the performance of cells, including those in the brain, will be adversely affected. The medications to treat diabetes may also cause side effects, including fatigue. Most Type 2 diabetics (these patients are insulin resistant) are overweight/obese and the weight control problem itself can lead to poor energy levels. The very best approach to diabetes and regaining energy is to lose weight if excessive weight is present.

Your diabetes is governed by underlying conditions which were not specified here. Management of diabetes with medication (non-insulin dependent and insulin dependent) is one solution. Monitoring your labs such as your hgb A1C, fasting insulin, advanced lipid/cholesterol studies, along with other medical conditions, your weight, your diet, and nutritional status are other factors. Side effects of medication should be discussed with your prescribing physician.

Diabetes medication typically does not cause feelings of sleepiness or laziness. However any medication may cause unusual side effects. Very low blood sugar can cause a sensation of weakness but usually also causes nausea and cold sweats. Very high blood sugar typically causes increased thirst and increased urination but could cause sedation, even a coma with extremely uncontrolled diabetes.

You should check your blood sugar routinely to monitor this. You might need to discuss a change in medication with your medical provider.