Feeling extra thirsty, constantly hungry, or running to the bathroom more than usual? These might seem like small, everyday issues, but if they persist, they could be signs of high blood sugar.
The 3 P’s of diabetes – Polyphagia (extreme hunger), Polydipsia (excessive thirst), and Polyuria (frequent urination) are some of the earliest and most common signs of diabetes. Many people experience them but don’t always connect them to their blood sugar levels. It’s easy to dismiss them as side effects of hot weather, stress, or simply drinking more fluids. But when these symptoms keep happening, it’s important to pay attention.
If you straight up want to discuss any of these conditions with a doctor, we can help you. Our in-house top diabetologist, Dr. Vidya is there to guide you.
Coming back to our blog, here we’ll explain what causes these symptoms, how they are linked to diabetes, and what you can do to manage them. Understanding these warning signs early can help prevent complications and make diabetes management easier.
What is Polyphagia (Extreme Hunger)?
Polyphagia is the medical term for feeling extremely hungry or having an increased appetite more often than usual. While it’s frequently linked to high or unstable blood sugar levels in diabetes, there are many everyday reasons you might feel hungrier than normal, such as:
- Stress or Anxiety: Emotional factors can sometimes trigger overeating.
- Skipping Meals/fasting: Going too long without eating can cause sudden, intense hunger.
- Prolonged Dieting: Restrictive diets may lead to constant cravings.
- Certain Medications: Some drugs can increase your appetite.
- Certain Medical Conditions like Thyroid Issues (e.g., Hyperthyroidism): This condition can speed up metabolism and boost hunger.
Among these possible causes, diabetes can be one. If you find yourself always hungry even after eating enough, it’s best to consult with your doctor to check for any underlying issues like diabetes.
What are the Causes of Polyphagia in Diabetes?
When blood sugar levels are high, the body can’t use sugar properly for energy. As a result, your cells don’t get the fuel they need, and your brain thinks you’re still hungry even if you’ve already eaten. This constant hunger is polyphagia.
Diabetes Reversal
Calculator
To know your chances of Diabetes reversal, take the Diabetes Reversal Test
What is Polydipsia (Extreme Thirst)?
Polydipsia is the medical term for extreme thirst, which is often linked to high blood sugar levels. It’s frequently accompanied by frequent urination, creating a challenging cycle to break.
However, many other common factors can also make you feel extra thirsty:
- Hot Weather: Very often during the summer – More sweating means more fluid loss, leading to thirst.
- Dehydration: Not enough fluids or excessive sweating can dry you out.
- Salty Foods (e.g., chips, pickles, or processed snacks): High salt intake makes your body crave more water.
- Certain Medications (e.g., some blood pressure drugs or antihistamines): These can make you feel thirstier as a side effect.
Among these various causes, diabetes is one potential reason. If you’re constantly thirsty even after drinking enough water, it’s better to consult with your doctor to confirm if this is due to diabetes.
What is Polyuria (Frequent Urination)?
Polyuria is the medical term for passing a large quantity of urine or urinating more often than usual.
While it’s often linked to high blood sugar levels in diabetes, many everyday factors can also cause you to visit the bathroom more frequently, such as:
- Drinking Large Amounts of Fluids: Including caffeinated or sugary drinks.
- Certain Medications (e.g., Diuretics): These can increase urine production.
- Bladder or Urinary Tract Issues (UTI): Infections or irritation can cause frequent urination.
- Prostate Problems in Older Men: An enlarged prostate can press on the bladder.
- Menopause in Women: Hormonal changes can affect bladder control.
Again, polyuria can possibly be due to diabetes, and if you find yourself urinating more often than usual, it’s best to consult with your doctor to check for underlying issues.
What are the Causes of Polyuria and Polydipsia in Diabetes?
When your blood sugar is too high, your kidneys try to get rid of the extra sugar by making more urine. This causes you to urinate more often (polyuria).
Because you lose too much fluid, your body becomes dehydrated, which can make you feel very thirsty (polydipsia). If your blood sugar stays high, this cycle can continue until your levels are managed.
What You Can Do Once You Identify the 3 P’s of Diabetes?
If you notice persistent polydipsia (extreme thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), or polyphagia (extreme hunger), it’s best to consult your doctor. They will likely recommend tests that measure your blood sugar levels, such as:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Checks your blood sugar after an overnight fast.
- Random Blood Sugar Test: This can be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate.
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Test: Provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
Based on these results, your doctor can determine if you have diabetes or if further tests are needed. If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to get checked as soon as possible.
How to Prevent the 3 P’s of Diabetes?
The 3 P’s – Polyphagia, Polydipsia, and Polyuria are often early signs of uncontrolled diabetes and are closely linked.
High blood sugar causes the body to remove excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. Drinking more water results in more frequent urination, and the loss of fluids and imbalanced sugar levels can trigger extreme hunger, creating a cycle that needs to be managed.
Although these symptoms are common in diabetes, they can also be caused by stress, thyroid issues, kidney disease, menopause, prostate problems, or certain medications. That’s why getting the correct diagnosis through medical tests is essential for proper treatment.
So it is BEST to manage your diabetes better to control these problems.
How to Manage 3 P’s Due to Diabetes?
If the 3 Ps are happening due to diabetes, here are the best ways to manage them:
1. Managing Polyphagia (Excessive Hunger)
- Focus on blood sugar control with a balanced diet rich in fiber and protein to help you feel fuller for longer.
- Practice portion control and mindful eating to avoid overeating.
- Regular glucose monitoring can prevent extreme hunger caused by fluctuating sugar levels.
- Manage stress, as emotional eating can contribute to increased hunger. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise can help.
2. Managing Polydipsia (Excessive Thirst)
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water instead of sugary or caffeinated beverages, which can worsen dehydration.
- Monitor your hydration levels by checking the colour of your urine – pale yellow indicates proper hydration.
- If dry mouth is contributing to thirst, increase water-rich food intake like watermelon, cucumber, and melons etc in your diet.
- Monitor electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium) to prevent further dehydration.
3. Managing Polyuria (Excessive Urination)
- Maintain stable blood sugar levels through your diet, exercise and medication (if required) to reduce excessive urination.
- Reduce caffeine intake like tea/coffee
- Limit fluid intake before bedtime to avoid frequent nighttime urination.
- If urination is accompanied by pain or discomfort, check for urinary infections or other underlying conditions like prostate issues or menopause-related changes.
REVERSED Diabetes in 3 months
5.7%
Dharmender Tiwari
58 years
* Diabetes Remission is the clinical term for Diabtes Reversal
What About the 3 P’s and Prediabetes?
The 3 P’s might also appear in prediabetes but are usually less pronounced. Addressing them early through lifestyle changes can prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes.
When You Should See a Doctor?
If you’ve noticed any of the 3 P’s, such as extreme hunger, thirst, or frequent urination, it’s important to consult a doctor. Persistent symptoms may indicate diabetes or prediabetes, and early intervention can make all the difference.
How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?
If you’ve been experiencing extreme hunger, thirst, or frequent urination, managing your blood sugar levels is the key to feeling better.
At Fitterfly, we understand that diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar readings or test results it’s about how you feel every day, your energy levels, and your overall well-being. That’s why our Fitterfly Diabetes Prime Program is designed to support you in every aspect of your health.
With the help of your Nutrition Coach, Fitness Coach, and Success Coach, we focus on personalized meal plans, simple exercise routines, and practical strategies to help you manage your blood sugar naturally. Whether it’s making smarter food choices, staying active, or finding ways to stay motivated, we guide you through small, realistic changes that fit into your daily routine.
Through the Fitterfly app, you can track your meals, monitor your progress, and get expert advice all in one place. Our goal is not just to control diabetes but to help you live a healthier, fuller life without feeling restricted.
If you’re ready to take charge of your health with expert support, we’re here to help. Give us a missed call at 08069450746, and let’s start this journey toward better diabetes management together!
Was this Blog helpful?
YesNo
