2. Feeling Hungry All the Time
Polyphagia, the medical term for increased appetite, is one of the major signs of diabetes. Feeling hungry is normal, and is usually a response to vigorous exercise, increased activity, or going without a meal. However, feeing hungry all the time is not normal. It can be the result of a serious illness like depression, stress, or even diabetes. In diabetes sufferers, polyphagia is often accompanied polydipsia and polyuria.
Polydipsia is increased thirst, and polyuria is excessive urination. Polyphagia can be caused by a number of disorders such as stress, premenstrual syndrome, depression, anxiety, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, and bulimia. It’s also seen in diabetes.
When blood glucose levels are extremely high, such as in diabetes, glucose from the blood can’t get into the cells. You don’t have much energy, so you feel hungry all the time. Just eating isn’t enough, because it will just increase blood sugar levels, which are already high. Polyphagia is sometimes referred to as hyperphagia.