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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
April 11, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly connected post-meal fatigue to carbohydrate intake and blood sugar fluctuations, with many sharing that switching to... Read more

Members overwhelmingly connected post-meal fatigue to carbohydrate intake and blood sugar fluctuations, with many sharing that switching to smaller, protein-focused meals with vegetables helped reduce or eliminate the tiredness. Several members recommended practical next steps, including keeping a food journal to identify trigger foods, researching reactive hypoglycemia and postprandial somnolence, consulting with a doctor or nutritionist, and monitoring blood sugar levels if diabetes is a concern. A recurring theme was the importance of listening to your body and adjusting eating habits accordingly, with some members noting that fatigue can also stem from the leukemia itself, medications, or organ issues like an enlarged spleen.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I haven't read everyone's reply, but I get the same reaction too at times. In me, some of the time released meds I use may kick in that's a possibility, but more likely eating stuff (like carbs that turn into sugar) triggers the pancreas to release insulin into the body that is resulting in a quick drop in glucose (reactive hypoglycemia) and you WILL experience this tiredness. I don't agree that this is the result of an infectious agent because those will have concomitant symptoms and usually are not linked to eating. Read about what foods are high carbohydrates and avoid them and/or actually take sugar when you are tired and see if you normalize, which should happen quickly. Then you will know if you are dealing with reactive hypoglycemia.

April 14, 2024 (edited)
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Yes I agree with everybody, I am eating less but my spleen sometimes is so swollen that I cannot bend down , it hurts so much. I have woken this morning from a 10 hour sleep, had a bowl of porrage with fresh fruit and need to lie down. Thanks for all your posts

April 11, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Hi Steven516,
Like the others have said, it could be several things, or it could be one thing, like the leukemia. It could be too many carbs, or eating a large meal. So, as someone already said, all of your energy goes to digest your food, so you are left feeling sleepy, or it could be your pancreas not working properly.
From what you said, it sounds like you did not have this problem before, is that true?
Many people do feel sleepy after eating, and it is pretty normal. But for you, the question is...is it normal for you? Feeling sleepy does happen to me after eating, but I am pre-diabetic, so I have to be careful WHAT I eat, HOW MUCH I eat, and HOW MANY CARBS I eat. Smaller meals are better and eating protein and veggies digests better for me. Other people, no longer can digest meat, so they go vegetarian, and others, eat very healthy, organic, low fat, low carbs, smaller portions of meats, and they eat more veggies, and vegetarian meals.
Maybe you can see a nutritionist, or a naturopath, and see what your body needs, you can also ask your doctor/oncologist if they think your sleepiness is because of your leukemia.
This is a great question! As you can see there are MANY answers.
I hope you find what works for you and what is causing your sleepiness.
Good Luck!

April 11, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Steve, I've experienced that in the beginning of my diagnosis. I felt like I needed a pillow and a blanket after eating out. 😅😴. I cut down on the portions and eat lighter meals. Protein and vegetables mostly. I know longer have that after dinner fatigue. It's a learning experience that's for sure.

April 11, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Steven, I've not expeienced that, but I agree with others who have spoken, espicially the carbs. Your body needs them, but ensure your getting good carbs. I have reduced my carb intake to under 50g per day. Of those carbs, I eat red grapes, dragon fruit, blue and or black berries. I also, mix it up with carb friendly greens, like broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus and green beans. Thats what I've been doing and fell much better.

April 11, 2024

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