Hunger pangs caused by glucose-starved cells due to diabetes
Body cells deprived of glucose are the main culprit for inducing hunger pangs in diabetes patients. This is because when the body cells lack glucose molecules, they notify the brain. The body cells use hormones in stimulating the hypothalamus of one’s brain and this will eventually cause one to always crave for food. The hunger signals sent by body cells is what triggers excessive eating among diabetic patients.
In conclusion, glucose-starved cells are responsible for a patient’s craving for large amount of food and frequent hunger pangs, or polyphagia.
Although polyphagia is a symptom of diabetes, it may also be an indication of other conditions such as:
- premenstrual syndrome
- hyperthyroidism
- depression
- stress
- anxiety
Treatment
The best course of treatment of polyphagia is to address the underlying cause of the condition such as diabetes. Healthcare practitioners will often instruct patients to switch to a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and exercise.
On the other hand, if your polyphagia cause by a mental disorder such as depression or anxiety, you may be referred to a mental health specialist.
