Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders that affect the way the body processes and uses sugar.
Left untreated, diabetes causes blood glucose (sugar) to rise to harmful levels and can cause damage to organs or lead to organ failure and death.
The three main types of diabetes are:
Type 1: This is an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented. With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes no insulin or very little insulin. This type almost always requires the administration of insulin via injections or a pump that sits on the skin. Type 2: The hallmark of this type of diabetes is insulin resistance, in which the body cells don’t respond normally to insulin. Over time, the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to compensate for the resistance, and blood glucose rises. Gestational: Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the baby. Untreated, it can cause pregnancy complications.
Polyphagia is one of the “three Ps” of diabetes, along with:
Polyuria: Increased urination Polydipsia: Increased thirst
These three symptoms are some of the most recognizable symptoms of diabetes.
Other symptoms of diabetes include:
Nighttime urinationUnexplained weight lossBlurry visionNumbness or tingling in hands or feetFatigueDry skinIncreased infectionsSores, bruises, wounds, and infections that are slow to heal
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can also include:
NauseaVomitingStomach pains
Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms. People who are pregnant should be screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, or more often if indicated by their healthcare provider.
Poor Blood Sugar Levels
Too much or too little sugar in the blood can trigger polyphagia. This happens most frequently with people who are diabetic and can be an indication that the diabetes is not properly managed.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia means there is too much sugar in the blood.
Body cells need insulin in order to use blood sugar for energy. Insulin needs vary based on the type of diabetes:
People with type 1 diabetes do not make any insulin or make a very small amount of insulin. People with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance.
Both of these prevent the cells from being able to access the blood sugar and use it efficiently.
Because the cells are not getting the energy from the food being eaten, the body still sends out hunger signals. Eating more food then raises the blood sugar higher, creating a cause and effect cycle.
Other symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
Blurred visionFrequent urinationHeadacheFatigueUnexplained weight lossInfections (vaginal and skin)Wounds, cuts, bruises, and infections that are slow to heal
If not addressed, hyperglycemia can lead to ketoacidosis (a buildup of ketones in the blood, causing toxicity), primarily in people with type 1 diabetes.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
VomitingDehydrationSweet or fruity breathSweet-smelling urineDifficulty breathing or hyperventilationConfusion or disorientationRapid heartbeatComa
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar and can also cause polyphagia.
With hypoglycemia, the body sends hunger signals because the cells are not receiving sugar from the blood to use for energy. This is because there is not enough sugar in the blood for the cells to use.
Hypoglycemia is a common occurrence for people with type 1 diabetes and diabetics who are taking insulin or diabetes medication. An excess of insulin lowers blood sugar too much.
It can also be caused by:
Not eating enough foodThe types of foods eaten (for instance, too few carbohydrates)Miscalculated timing or amount of insulin injectedPhysical activity
These can throw off the balance between insulin and blood sugar.
Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
HungerNauseaFeeling shakySweating, chills, or clamminessFeeling nervous or anxiousConfusionFast heartbeatIrritability or impatiencePallor (color drained from the skin)SleepinessFeeling weak/no energyHeadacheBlurred/impaired visionProblems with coordination/clumsinessTingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeksNightmares or crying out during sleep (blood sugar often drops at night)Seizures
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include:
Blurred visionDifficulty concentratingConfused thinkingSlurred speechNumbnessDrowsinessFalling unconsciousSeizures
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland (a small gland in the front of the neck) produces too many thyroid hormones. Untreated, this can cause:
Test your blood sugar right away. If your blood sugar is low, eat or drink fast-acting carbohydrates, or take glucose tablets. Repeat until blood sugar returns to normal. If symptoms are severe or not getting better, call 911.
Heart problemsProblems with bones and musclesMenstrual cycle abnormalitiesFertility problemsPregnancy complications (for parent and baby)
The increased metabolism (the process of turning food into energy) resulting from hyperthyroidism can cause an increased appetite or polyphagia.
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)Feeling shaky, nervous, or anxiousMuscle weaknessWeight lossDigestive problems (diarrhea and more frequent bowel movements)Thin skinMenstrual changesSleep problemsDouble visionIntolerance to heatExcessive sweatingSwelling and enlargement of the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)Hair lossChange in hair texture (brittle)Bulging of the eyes (seen with Graves’ disease)
People with type 1 diabetes are among those at an increased risk for hyperthyroidism.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms experienced by some people during the one to two weeks before a menstrual period.
An increased appetite and food cravings (especially for sweet or salty foods) are symptoms of PMS.
Other symptoms include:
BloatingBreast tendernessAcneSwelling of feet and anklesHeadachesFluid retention and weight gainUterine cramps just before and during the first few days of menstruationFatigue/low energyBack or muscle painPalpitationsDizzinessEmotional changes such as mood swings, irritability, depression, aggressiveness or hostility, crying spellsDifficulty concentratingForgetfulnessChanges in sex drive
Sleep Disruptions
Proper sleep is important, especially for people with conditions such as diabetes. Sleep disturbances can throw blood sugar levels off balance.
While they both have similar physical symptoms, the psychological impact of PMDD is much more severe and can be life-threatening.
Lack of Sleep
While a restless night or two isn’t usually harmful, longer-term lack of sleep can cause problems with blood sugar, which in turn can increase instances of polyphagia.
Inadequate sleep increases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can make the body less sensitive to insulin. This triggers an increase in glucose (blood sugar), which can lead to hyperglycemia.
In addition to hyperglycemia, polyphagia from lack of sleep can be caused by increased hunger to compensate for exhaustion.
Fluctuating blood sugar can also make getting adequate, uninterrupted sleep difficult for people who are diabetic.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by long pauses (more than 10 seconds) in breathing during sleep. It is common in people who have diabetes and/or people who are overweight.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Frequent snoringConstantly feeling sleep-deprived/falling asleep during normal daytime activitiesDifficulties with learning, concentrating, and memoryDisturbed sleepDepressionIrritabilitySexual dysfunction
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to:
Daytime exhaustion and fogginessDrowsy drivingHigh blood pressureCardiac problems such as arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, heart attackStrokeDepression and mood issuesMemory issuesInsulin resistance, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes
As with lack of sleep, the sleep disturbances associated with sleep apnea can lead to blood sugar imbalances that increase instances of polyphagia.
Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect lives in many ways, including self-care. Experiencing these stressors can make things like eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep more difficult, which can cause health problems (such as uncontrolled blood sugar).
Stress and mental health problems also make the management of diabetes less consistent and increase stress hormones such as cortisol, which are known to increase blood sugar.
Uncontrolled blood sugar from stress, anxiety, or depression can lead to polyphagia.
Feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed can also increase comfort-eating and binge-eating. While comfort-eating and binge-eating are not the same as polyphagia, they can cause increased blood sugar, which leads to polyphagia.
Symptoms of stress include:
NervousnessFast heartbeatRapid breathingDigestive problemsDepression
Symptoms of depression include:
Feeling sadIrritabilityLoss of interest in activitiesFeeling worthlessChanges in sleepFatigue or low energy
Rare Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can cause polyphagia, including two rare disorders.
Kleine-Levin Syndrome
Primarily affecting adolescent males (though it can affect anyone), Kleine-Levin syndrome is a disorder marked by episodes lasting a few days to a few weeks.
During these episodes, people with Kleine-Levin syndrome can experience:
Excessive sleep (up to 20 hours a day) Polyphagia Flu-like symptoms Irritability Childishness Disorientation Hallucinations Abnormally uninhibited sex drive
Between episodes, these symptoms disappear. People with Kleine-Levin syndrome may not remember everything that happened during the episode.
The exact cause of Kleine-Levin syndrome is unknown, but it may be due to a malfunction of the hypothalamus and thalamus (parts of the brain that control appetite and sleep).
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic condition present at birth and marked by the onset of polyphagia beginning in early childhood.
In infancy, the symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome include:
Hypotonia (weak muscle tone)Feeding difficultiesPoor growthDelayed development
Other characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome include:
Mild to moderate intellectual impairment and learning disabilitiesBehavioral problems including temper outbursts and stubbornnessCompulsive behavior such as skin pickingSleep abnormalitiesDistinctive facial features such as a narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and a triangular mouthShort statureSmall hands and feetUnderdeveloped genitalsDelayed or incomplete pubertyInfertility (usually)
Many people with Prader-Willi syndrome become overweight, and some develop type 2 diabetes.
Side Effects of Medication
Some medications can cause polyphagia, including:
Corticosteroids: This includes cortisone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone. Cyproheptadine: An antihistamine. Tricyclic antidepressants: This includes Anafranil (clomipramine), Ascendin (amoxapine), and Elavil (amitriptyline).
Polyphagia can also be a result of marijuana use.
A Word From Verywell
Polyphagia can be caused by a number of different conditions, and can often be treated.
Treatment for polyphagia depends on the underlying condition—for example, diabetes-related hyperphagia is managed by keeping blood sugar levels balanced and under control.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperphagia, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.
