If your blood sugar reports are normal but you constantly feel tired, it doesn’t always mean “nothing is wrong.” In some cases, this fatigue may be linked to latent diabetes or insulin resistance—a condition where diabetes is developing quietly, without clearly abnormal sugar readings.

What is latent (hidden) diabetes?

According to Dr. Santram Verma from District Hospital Ghaziabad, many people show normal blood sugar levels but still have insulin resistance.

This means:

• Your blood sugar may look normal on routine tests

• But insulin is not working effectively

• As a result, glucose does not enter the body’s cells properly

• Cells remain “energy-starved,” leading to fatigue and weakness

In this stage, diabetes may not show up clearly in standard reports—hence the term hidden or latent diabetes.

Symptoms that can appear even with normal sugar levels

Even when reports look fine, the body may give warning signs such as:

• Constant tiredness or low energy

• Feeling sleepy after meals

• Increased fat around the stomach

• Frequent cravings for sweets

• Mild or occasional blurred vision

• Dark patches on the skin (especially neck, underarms, cheeks)

These are classic signs of insulin resistance.

Why routine sugar tests may miss the problem

Dr. Verma explains that many people only check fasting blood sugar, which may stay normal for years. However, they skip an important test called HbA1c, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the last 2–3 months.

• If HbA1c is above 6.6% along with these symptoms

• It suggests the body is developing insulin resistance

• If ignored, this can later progress into full diabetes

What should you do?

You can slow or even reverse insulin resistance with lifestyle changes:

• 🚶 Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes daily

• 🍬 Reduce or avoid added sugar

• 🍗 Increase protein intake (dal, eggs, curd, nuts)

• 🍔 Avoid fast food and refined carbs

• 😴 Maintain proper sleep and manage stress

When to see a doctor

If fatigue persists despite normal sugar reports, or if these symptoms keep repeating, consult a doctor and ask about:

• HbA1c test

• Insulin resistance evaluation

• Diet and lifestyle guidance

Early action can prevent diabetes before it fully develops.