What does the presence of polyphagia indicate in diabetics?

The presence of polyphagia, or excessive hunger, in diabetics indicates an inadequate insulin response leading to the body's inability to properly utilize glucose for energy. When blood glucose levels rise—often due to insufficient insulin production or resistance—the body's cells are unable to absorb this glucose effectively. As a result, even though there is an abundance of glucose in the bloodstream, the cells experience a form of starvation, which triggers a compensatory increase in appetite. This signal of hunger strives to obtain more food in an attempt to provide the body with the energy it cannot access due to the disrupted insulin response. Hence, it highlights the physiological effects of diabetes on metabolism and appetite.