Why diabetes patients feel hungry?

That's a really common question! Diabetes patients often feel hungry due to something called "cellular starvation." Here's what happens:

When you have diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1) or your cells become resistant to insulin (Type 2). Insulin is like the "key" that lets glucose (sugar) enter your cells for energy.

Without proper insulin function, the glucose stays in your bloodstream instead of entering your cells. So even though you have high blood sugar, your cells are literally starving for energy. Your brain detects this energy shortage and sends out hunger signals, thinking you need to eat more food.

Other reasons include: - Your body might be burning fat and muscle for energy instead of glucose - Certain diabetes medications can increase appetite - High blood sugar can make you thirsty, which sometimes feels like hunger

It's a frustrating cycle - you eat because you're hungry, but your blood sugar goes even higher without proper medication management.

As a type 2 diabetic myself, I can tell you this is one of the most confusing symptoms! You'd think with all that sugar in your blood, you wouldn't be hungry, but it's exactly the opposite.

The way my endocrinologist explained it: Imagine your cells are locked houses and insulin is the key. The food delivery truck (blood sugar) arrives with packages, but without keys, the packages can't get inside. The houses (cells) keep sending "we're hungry!" signals even though there's plenty of food right outside.

What helped me break the cycle was: - Getting on the right medication to improve insulin sensitivity - Eating more protein and fiber which keep you full longer - Checking my blood sugar when I feel hungry to see if it's real hunger or "false signals"

The American Diabetes Association has a great article about this phenomenon on their website that really helped me understand what was happening in my body.