What is the impact of diabetes on appetite?

Diabetes can lead to an increased appetite, known as polyphagia, particularly in individuals with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. When blood glucose is not adequately utilized for energy due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, the body signals hunger as a mechanism to gain more energy. This can cause individuals to experience a stronger desire to eat, as the body is effectively telling them it is in need of fuel that it is not adequately receiving.

In the case of diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, the absence of insulin can prevent glucose from entering cells, leading to an accumulation of glucose in the blood. The cells' inability to access this energy source creates a sensation of hunger, prompting increased food intake. Similarly, people with type 2 diabetes might also experience increased appetite due to poor metabolic control.

While it is possible for some individuals with diabetes to have periods of reduced appetite, particularly during hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes, the more consistent effect seen is an increased appetite when blood sugar levels are poorly managed. This makes polyphagia a hallmark symptom of diabetes when it is not well controlled, making the choice of increased appetite the most accurate representation of the relationship between diabetes and appetite.