The link between Hyperphagia and diabetes
Hyperphagia is a medical term used for persistent uncontrollable hunger. Usually, it is a sign of diabetes. Any type of diabetes, whether it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes, causes hyperphagia. Diabetes may cause polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria. While the majority of hyperphagia is caused by diabetes, some hyperphagia symptoms are caused by other conditions as well, so, you must note your hyperphagia symptoms and visit your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the condition from getting severe.
Learn about the link between hyperphagia and diabetes in this article.
The link between hyperphagia and diabetes
Hyperphagia is a common sign of diabetes. Whether you’re diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes this symptom is common with any type of diabetes. It happens when your body either doesn’t have enough insulin or is not able to use insulin properly which increases your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels cause extreme thirst and hunger because the body is not able to use glucose for energy and this lack of energy increases your hunger.
However, you may experience different signs due to diabetes:
- Polyphagia is a sign of extreme hunger.
- Polydipsia is a sign of extreme thirst
- Polyuria is a sign of frequent urination.
Many healthcare providers often call it the 3 Ps of diabetes. So, if you experience any sign of hyperphagia you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis. However, hyperphagia is not always caused by diabetes but by some other conditions too. So, it is best to be diagnosed early so that you can easily prevent complications with treatment.
Keep in mind that people with diabetes may experience polyphagia due to low blood sugar levels. This condition can be treated by consuming sugar to manage your blood sugar levels. Some people can experience hypoglycemia without diabetes as well. So, you may not only experience polyphagia with diabetes.
To manage your blood sugar levels in both types of diabetes you need to make certain changes in your lifestyle which include
- Eating a healthy well-balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly
- Building good sleeping habits
- Manage your stress levels
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
- Monitor the signs of complications such as foot ulcers, swelling, etc. See the specialists of foot infections to treat these complications.
Besides managing your diabetes, here are some tips that you can use to manage your hunger for diabetic hyperphagia.
- Check your blood sugar regularly, if you notice it is low, then eat some carbs to bring it up.
- Eat high-fiber, low-carbohydrate foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat without distractions such as TV, mobile, or laptop.
- Eat a high-protein breakfast.
- Keep food interesting by adding a variety of herbs, and spices.
- Exercise through a craving.
- Distract yourself while you have a craving like taking a shower, going on a walk, or watching tv.
- Manage your stress levels by performing stress-managing techniques such as deep breathing, mindful meditation, yoga, etc.
- Allow small tastes of the foods you are craving.
- Keep healthy snacks around you.
If you need help with hyperphagia diagnosis, visit our clinic. Our diabetologists will diagnose your condition and provide the best treatment that will give you a better life, even with diabetes. Call us on +1-347-384-5690 to get answers to your queries or pay us a visit at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. And if you have diabetes or have its symptoms, come to us for diagnosis and treatment, we have the best endocrinologists and diabetes specialists to help you throughout the process.