Type 2 diabetes can make you feel hungrier than normal. Are you struggling to keep away from the snacks? How can the health condition be related to your appetite?
When the pancreas – the large gland behind the stomach – struggles to make enough or adequate levels of the hormone insulin, your health deteriorates.
This is because insulin is the key that unlocks access to the body’s cells.
As we eat food, it’s broken down into glucose (sugar). Insulin enables glucose to enter the body’s cells.
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The cells then use glucose as energy to perform their vital functions.
However, when insulin isn’t available – or isn’t doing its job properly – polyphagia can occur.
Polyphagia is the term used to describe excessive hunger and increased appetite – it’s a symptom of type 2 diabetes.
It occurs when glucose builds up in the blood, as it can’t be absorbed by cells and used as energy.
High blood sugar levels, otherwise known as hyperglycemia, is a warning sign that diabetes isn’t being controlled.
This may be because the person with the health condition is unaware that they have it.
Or it could be because a treatment plan isn’t being adhered to or needs tweaking.
As the cells are unable to use glucose as energy, this lack of energy causes an increase in hunger.
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People with polyphagia won’t be able to satisfy their feelings of hunger – no matter how much they eat.
Instead, simply eating more will increase high blood sugar levels and make the condition worse.
Instead, charity Diabetes UK recommends exercise to help stimulate insulin production.
Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: unquenchable thirst, extreme fatigue and frequently needing the bathroom.
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Some people with the condition may experience dizzy spells, nausea and blurred vision.
Others may notice that any cut or wounds take a longer time to heal.
And, for some people, genial itchiness could be a symptom of the health condition.
Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is weight loss.
Those within the ages of 40 to 74 are eligible to receive an NHS Health Check.
This NHS Health Check will look for the presence or risk of type 2 diabetes.
However, if you’re older than 74 you can still request a health check from your doctor.
And if a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can then be drawn up.
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