Tired All The Time Without Coffee

[KevinM1]

I dunno all I know is they tested my piss. What's A1C?

An A1C is a blood test.  While urine can have indications of one being diabetic (mostly with things that should be processed by your kidneys not actually being processed by them), the A1C is the standard test used to both confirm diabetes and measure how severe it is. As a diabetic, I have my A1C (and a bunch of other things, like a full metabolic panel (checks everything from infection, to hyper/hypoglycemia, to kidney and liver function) and cholesterol) checked every three months in order to monitor, well, everything since diabetes is a chronic illness that can affect a number of other systems in the body. In fact, I just had my last checkup on the 18th, and am due for my next one in November.

It might not be anything, but if you haven't had an A1C or a full metabolic panel done in the last year+ (or ever), it's worth having it done. At the very least, if you're healthy you'll have hard data to point to and likely more peace of mind.

[Edwardo Piet]

I've never even heard of it. I've had lots of blood tests but I don't think I've ever had that one.

Hmm. I may misremember I may have had a blood test for it around the time of the first before my last urine test. I had some sort of blood test around that time. Maybe it was for that. I don't remember what it was for.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

For twenty years I drank coffee in the Navy that kept trying to escape from the cup and attack me. That shit kept me awake.

With salt?

Never.

[Rev. Rye]

Honestly, I'm kind of like this: about two years ago, I developed a sort of lethargy and felt constantly sleepy. And bear in mind, I was 25 at the time. And surprisingly, even caffeine did little to alleviate it. The doctors aren't sure what it is, but eventually, one prescribed Nuvigil and it works reasonably well. Sometimes, I still get a bit over-tired (especially in the mornings), but at least I'm not overcome with drowsiness all day long now.

[Edwardo Piet]

I had to Google that.

[Minimalist]

Talk about timely.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/he...-1.3449446

Study says four cups of coffee per day can lower risk of death

The study tracked the health of 20,000 participants over the course of about 10 years.

Findings even suggest that those 45 and older had a 30% lower chance of death if they drank two additional cups of coffee per day.

I'll have to increase my intake.

[Clueless Morgan]

I'm not very susceptible to caffeine anymore... I'm desensitized. Hence why I drink a lot more and I have more and more spoons of coffee in my cups as I'm requiring more and more coffee to feel awake.

Thanks for the tips about blood sugar. I do often feel like it's something to do with sugar levels. I've often worried I have diabetes as I keep craving sugary foods when I'm trying to look after my teeth.

Again: I'm not a doctor

I'm glad you've seen a doctor about this since it does sound like you're concerned.

I'm not saying it's your blood sugar for sure but it could be a potential culprit and it's an easy one to do an experiment with.

Also, I'm not diabetic and I know next to nothing about the condition but I've never personally heard of diabetics craving sweets.  In fact, I just googled it and the top post says "Craving sugar is not one of the symptoms of diabetes or hyperglycemia"

My personal guess about the cravings is that you've trained your body to crave stuff that spikes your blood sugar levels and gives you that "I've been rewarded" response from your brain which creates that self-reinforcing cycle.  Try eating more fresh fruits or sweet veggies like carrots when you get a craving for something sweet, or at least switch to eating something that has some nutritional value like honey (peanut butter and honey sandwiches are the bomb, I'm just sayin').  But honey will probably give you toothaches.  Best try fruits/veggies first. Or, like I said before, try yogurt or cheeses because of their GI ranks - they stick around with you longer and help you not get cravings as quickly.

My nutritionist just told me about Coconut Sugar which falls at a 35 or so on the Glycemic Index whereas table sugar is at like 60 or something, so if you use sugar to sweeten drinks like coffee or tea or sprinkle it over cereals or whatever, try switching.  Caution, tho, it's one of those health-food type things so you'll probably be out of luck trying to find a non-"organic" version of it   which means it'll be expensive.

Generally, my personal advice to you would be to start trying to make a turn to a generally more healthy diet since it does seem like you have concerns about this.  It won't happen overnight and it's not like you have to say goodbye to all your beloved treats forever (I love me my chocolate chip cookies and ice cream) but the key is moderation.  In the long run you'll probably thank yourself.

Or...

You'll eat a healthy diet and exercise with a reasonable frequency and still end up with cancer like me.

Life is a crapshoot.  Do what you want.

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Talk about timely.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/he...-1.3449446

Study says four cups of coffee per day can lower risk of death

The study tracked the health of 20,000 participants over the course of about 10 years.

Findings even suggest that those 45 and older had a 30% lower chance of death if they drank two additional cups of coffee per day.

I'll have to increase my intake.

All of my doctors have been giving me information packets saying how more than two cups of coffee a day can increase your risks of certain cancers.

Also, eating lots of sugar can increase cancer risks.

Basically, if it's awesome it probably gives you cancer.

[A Theist]

I'm starting to feel tired all the time unless I have multiple coffees a day. I'm 28... although nearly 29 (29 on September 5th).... am I just getting old or am I getting dependent on caffeine? Any ideas?

I drink coffee all through the day, especially at work. If you really want a blast of quick energy put a spoonful of instant coffee in your mouth and wash it down with some Mountain Dew.

[Clueless Morgan]

I'm starting to feel tired all the time unless I have multiple coffees a day. I'm 28... although nearly 29 (29 on September 5th).... am I just getting old or am I getting dependent on caffeine? Any ideas?

I drink coffee all through the day, especially at work. If you really want a blast of quick energy put a spoonful of instant coffee in your mouth and wash it down with some Mountain Dew.

[paulpablo]

To me it sounds exactly like what you think it is.

You've drank more and more coffee and got dependant on it.

You are young but even when you're young it's normal to have random bouts of tiredness especially if your body is used to having a lot of stimulants.

I would never take drugs for tiredness, I think a lot of it is psychological. It's amazing what a bit of adrenaline or excitement can do.

---

I'm starting to feel tired all the time unless I have multiple coffees a day. I'm 28... although nearly 29 (29 on September 5th).... am I just getting old or am I getting dependent on caffeine? Any ideas?

I drink coffee all through the day, especially at work. If you really want a blast of quick energy put a spoonful of instant coffee in your mouth and wash it down with some Mountain Dew.

And definitely don't do this.