Diabetes is closely related to post-meal drowsiness.

 

If blood sugar levels are unstable, excessive insulin secretion after meals causes drowsiness.

Here are ways to cope with fatigue that could be a warning sign or an early symptom of diabetes.

 

Today's Diabetes Letter: a two-line summary

1. Post-meal drowsiness may be a warning sign of diabetes.

2. Blood sugar testing and dietary habit improvement are essential.

Everyone experiences post-meal drowsiness.

 

 

 

Post-meal drowsiness, or food coma, is a common symptom that anyone can experience. It occurs because blood flow to the stomach increases for digestion, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the brain, which can cause sleepiness. Additionally, the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the entire body after eating, is one of the reasons for food coma. In particular, consuming foods containing tryptophan, such as salmon, chicken, nuts, and milk, can make you feel sleepy. This is because tryptophan helps to relax the mind and reduce tension.

In such cases, avoiding overeating and simply consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals during meals can help alleviate post-meal fatigue.

 

It could be a sign of 'diabetes risk'

 

Drowsiness after eating can also occur due to unstable blood sugar levels, not just for the reasons mentioned above. Unlike healthy individuals, people with unstable blood sugar experience a rapid and significant increase in blood sugar after meals. In an attempt to lower it, the body secretes a large amount of insulin. As a result, blood sugar suddenly drops sharply, leading to feelings of drowsiness or fatigue.

 

Sleepiness caused by high blood sugar is mainly characterized by occurring after eating high-carbohydrate and simple sugar foods. If you eat more white rice than usual, have a meal with bread, or feel drowsy after consuming tteokbokki, ramen, or beverages, it is a sign that your blood sugar is unstable, which could be a precursor to diabetes. Professor Yoo Jeong-seon of the Department of Endocrinology at Ilsan Cha Hospital said, "If these people continue to eat high-carbohydrate diets and frequently experience blood sugar fluctuations, the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin may be damaged," and advised, "Be careful not to ignore this, as it could lead to diabetes."

 

Check blood sugar and engage in physical activity after meals

 

The first thing people like this should do is check their blood sugar levels. They need to accurately understand their blood sugar levels and practice a lifestyle that suits them. Even if you are in the pre-diabetic stage or already have diabetes, don't be discouraged. Professor Yoo Jung-sun said, "Diabetes is a disease that can be sufficiently managed when diet, exercise, and medication are balanced according to need," and "If managed thoroughly in the early stages, it is possible to achieve diabetes remission." Diabetes remission refers to maintaining an HbA1c level below 6.5% without using medication for more than three months.

 

To prevent post-meal drowsiness, reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet and increase protein intake. It is also recommended to change the order in which you eat foods. First, consume fiber and protein-rich foods such as vegetables, meat, fish, and tofu, and eat carbohydrates last. This helps blood sugar levels rise gradually and stay stable. After eating, it is good to move your body, such as taking a light walk. This can prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar and drowsiness.

 

 

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