What you need to know about the ‘3 Ps’ of diabetes

Diabetes is when your body has chronically elevated blood glucose levels due to either insulin insensitivity or lack of insulin itself.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to be absorbed by the cells and be utilized for energy. When insulin is absent, insufficient, or ineffective, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.

We mainly have two types of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, which is caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, and Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.

Despite different origins, their early clinical signals often overlap which are commonly addressed as the “3 Ps.”

1. Polyuria – Excessive Urination

Polyuria refers to frequent and excessive urination. When blood glucose exceeds the kidney’s reabsorption capacity, glucose spills into the urine, pulling water along with it via osmosis.

2. Polydipsia – Excessive Thirst

With constant fluid loss due to urination comes dehydration. The brain responds to this by triggering intense thirst, which is known as polydipsia. Patients may drink large amounts of water yet feel persistently dry-mouthed.

3. Polyphagia – Excessive Hunger

Despite high blood sugar, cells are “starved” due to inadequate glucose uptake, leading to polyphagia, or increased hunger.

Hence, if you think you’re experiencing the 3 Ps of diabetes, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider or general physician to get tested for it.

Untreated diabetes can silently damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and the heart, so, recognizing the 3 Ps early allows for timely diagnosis, intervention, and prevention of long-term complications.