Why People with Diabetes Often Feel Hungry

A common symptom in people with diabetes is always feeling hungry—even after eating their fill. This is called the “polyphagia” (excessive eating) syndrome in diabetes, and occurs because issues with insulin interfere with the process of converting glucose into usable energy. Excessive eating in diabetes can also be an early warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where the body produces too many harmful acids in the blood. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on, and how new technology can help.

What’s causing the hunger?

Glucose isn’t entering cells properly

Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly (so-called insulin resistance). As a result, cells don’t get enough energy, making the person feel hungry all the time. People may try to eat more to satisfy the feeling of hunger, which leads to higher blood sugar — and high blood sugar further drives hunger and cravings. This becomes a vicious circle.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Low blood sugar may occur in people with or without diabetes. In diabetic patients it can happen when they are fasting/very hungry or if there’s too much insulin in their blood. When this happens, the liver stops releasing glucose, so the blood sugar drops. If there’s not enough glucose for the cells, energy levels fall and hunger increases—even if the person has eaten. These hypoglycaemic episodes often occur at night.

 Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

When this occurs, the body begins to break down fats for fuel, leading to accumulation of harmful acids known as ketones. Symptoms of DKA include extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity breath smell, confusion. One of the early symptoms of DKA is excessive eating. When insulin levels drop, blood sugar rises, which can show up as increased hunger due to the high blood sugar.

Damage to the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus (a part of the brain) regulates many vital body functions including the sensation of hunger. Damage to the hypothalamus — from congenital conditions or infections — can impair that regulation.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Overactivity of the thyroid gland (producing excess thyroxine hormone) can cause increased appetite, along with a spectrum of metabolism-related symptoms.

What You Can Do?

Managing the sense of hunger involves staying on top of blood sugar control, following the medication plan, exercising regularly, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and choosing higher-fibre, low-carb meals.

How Smart Technology Enhances Diabetes Management

While dietary and lifestyle adjustments remain foundational, smart glucose-monitoring technology is transforming daily life for people with diabetes. One such device making waves is the Bubble Smart Reader (also known as Bubble CGM when paired with the sensor).

Meet the Bubble Smart Reader

• The Bubble Smart Reader is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device designed to measure glucose levels in real time.

• It automatically triggers a signal when glucose levels become too low, enabling early detection of hypoglycaemia and enhanced safety for people managing diabetes.

• Parents, caregivers or users themselves can connect the device with the platform , which means live glucose-data updates and alerts can be shared remotely — even when the loved one isn’t nearby.

• This means a child wearing a Bubble CGM can alert a parent far away if glucose readings slip into a dangerous zone.

  

Why this matters for daily living

• Peace of mind: Real-time alerts mean fewer surprises. If hunger or fatigue strikes because of a glucose imbalance, the smartphone alert can prompt immediate action.

• Better glucose management: With continuous monitoring, instead of checking only before and after meals, users and caregivers can see trends, respond to lows before they become serious, and avoid the “hungry despite eating” cycle.

• Who it’s great for: Particularly useful for children with diabetes (or any user who may not sense hypoglycaemia in time), for caregivers who want remote monitoring, and for anyone striving for tighter control without constant finger sticks.

• Improved outcomes: By reducing the risk of undetected lows, users can focus less on fear and more on living well.

  
  

Example scenario

Imagine a teenager with type 1 diabetes participates in after-school sports. With a regular glucose meter alone, they check before and after activity. But they might still experience a dip later when they’re alone or asleep, and wake up hungry, fatigued or confused. With a Bubble Smart Reader, their caregiver receives an alert if glucose falls below a safe threshold — action can be taken early (snack, insulin adjustment, hydration) and the risk of waking up in trouble is greatly reduced.

Feeling constantly hungry when you have diabetes is not just “hunger”

it’s a signal your body isn’t converting glucose to energy properly, or glucose levels are swinging. Understanding this helps you make the right lifestyle and medical adjustments. And when you combine that understanding with a tool like the Bubble Smart Reader, you gain a powerful ally that helps you monitor continuously, act early, and live more confidently. Whether you’re managing diabetes yourself or caring for someone who is, integrating CGM for kids or adults via real-time glucose alert systems like Bubble CGM turns daily management from reactive to proactive.