It happens to everyone at some point: You indulge in a hearty meal, maybe even eating past the point of satiety…and then you immediately feel like you need a nice long nap. That “food coma” feeling is real: It’s like you can barely think, let alone move or go about your routine, when it hits.
Feeling this way from time to time is natural (after Thanksgiving dinner, anyone?). But what if you find yourself feeling sluggish or even sleepy after meals on a regular basis? Could this indicate something more serious going on?
Some people wonder if feeling sleepy after eating could even be a sign of diabetes. But is there actually a link there? Is feeling sleepy after eating on a regular basis a sign that you need to seek out medical attention and/or get screened for diabetes?
We spoke with endocrinologist Sarah Nadeem, MD, to learn more about whether or not there’s a relationship here — and how people can identify other warning signs of diabetes.
Can feeling tired after eating be a sign of diabetes?
Yes, says Dr. Nadeem — but in likelihood, you’re feeling sleepy after eating for another reason.
“It can be [a sign of diabetes], but feeling sleepy after eating is mainly a sign of poor diet and due to the type and quantity of food eaten,” says Dr. Nadeem.
Why might this happen?
“Blood sugars spike and then fall, which can make people feel tired, the bigger the change. In people with diabetes, if their blood glucose is already not well controlled and they eat a high sugar/processed/refined carbs meal with large portions, then it spikes the glucose higher, and people may feel sleepy,” adds Dr. Nadeem.
“Physiologically there is diversion of blood to the gut in all people after eating. That’s why the historical concept of siesta exists in most cultures,” she adds.
In short? “It’s the spike [and fall] of blood sugars after eating that may make you feel tired/sluggish and with poorly controlled diabetes it takes longer for the sugars to get in range,” summarizes Dr. Nadeem.
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Sleepiness after eating can be tied to *what* you’re eating
As you’ve probably noticed, that sleepiness after eating typically doesn’t hit after you have a salad for lunch — what you eat can definitely affect how you feel afterwards.
According to Dr. Nadeem, high carb or processed foods are more likely to make you feel sleepy after eating, which isn’t terribly surprising (especially to anyone who has ever felt that "food coma" sensation after taking down a big old bowl of pasta).
So does consistently feeling sleepy after a meal mean you should seek out medical attention?
We believe that any time you have a concern about your body, it’s worth advocating for answers. But if you’re primary concern is feeling sleepy after eating, paying attention to what you’re eating might be the best first step.
However, there are certain things that may happen after meals that do warrant medical attention.
“If someone gets lightheaded and dizzy or severe abdominal pain after eating that warrants medical attention as it may be related to other serious issues (compromised blood supply to the intestines), but generally if you feel more sluggish after eating that is a sign to make your diet healthier, more fiber, protein, less processed foods and less sugar (e/g people who have juice/ soda with meals),” says Dr. Nadeem.
If you have risk factors for diabetes, like a family history of the disease, screening could be a wise idea, especially since symptoms don’t necessarily manifest all at once (more on that below).
It’s important to point out the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
While both conditions are referred to as “diabetes," they are different in some important ways.
“Type 1 [diabetes] is autoimmune mediated and often is the lack or almost complete lack of insulin production by the pancreas. It needs to be treated with insulin and can be life threatening if insulin is not given,” says Dr. Nadeem.
“Type 2 has a relative deficiency (not complete lack of) of insulin, usually occurs in older, overweight individuals with a family history of diabetes, can be managed without insulin but some people with type 2 may also require insulin along with other meds,” she adds.
What are some other symptoms of diabetes?
According to Dr. Nadeem, diabetes symptoms come on slowly, especially in the case of type 2 diabetes, which is the more common type.
Type 1 diabetes, on the other, is more likely to have sudden-onset symptoms and occurs more often in young people (but is less common overall).
Symptoms overlap between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, though.
Sleepy after eating or not, staying on top of your health is crucial.
“Warning signs of diabetes are slow to develop so to be proactive if you have a family [history], please get routine physicals and labs done in which your blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C is checked,” says Dr. Nadeem — especially because, as she mentions above, symptoms can be slow to manifest.
Zara Hanawalt is a freelance journalist and mom of twins. She's written for outlets like Parents, MarieClaire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, and many others. In her (admittedly limited!) free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her family.