The 3 Ps of diabetes: Recognising the three most common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels that can only be managed by taking medications. A person is diagnosed with diabetes when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone) or if the cells are not able to utilise it to turn the glucose produced from food into energy. Due to this glucose remain in the blood affecting different functioning of the body. The signs and symptoms of diabetes start to appear slowly and vary from person to person. However, there are some signs which are common and can be witnessed in most cases of diabetes. Together they are referred to as the three P's of diabetes -polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia.

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Polydipsia is a medical term used to describe excessive thirst, which is common among diabetic patients. In this situation, a person feels excessive thirsty or parched. It starts happening in the case of diabetes when the rounds to the bathroom increase. Due to the presence of excessive glucose in the bloodstream, our kidneys have to work extra to remove them from our system. It increases the frequency of urination and the body's requirement for water. You eventually feel more thirsty to make up for the fluid loss from the body.

Poluria is a medical condition used to define excessive passing of urine, which is another hallmark sign of diabetes. Unmanaged or high blood sugar level forces kidneys to overwork to remove the unused glucose and toxins in the bloodstream. After kidneys filter excessive glucose they are excreted through urine. Most people produce about 1–2 litres of urine per day, but in the case of polyuria, it increases to more than 3 litres of urine in a day. Other conditions that lead to polyuria are pregnancy, kidney disease, high calcium levels and diuretic medications.

When glucose obtained by absorption of food is not utilised by cells to produce energy, it makes the person feel hungry. The excessive hunger caused due to lack of fuel is known as polyphagia. The hunger associated with diabetes doesn’t go away after consuming food. The more a person will eat the higher will be their blood sugar level. Even after eating they will feel tired and weak. Some other conditions that may lead to polyphagia include overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or stress.

Polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia are three general symptoms of diabetes that are often witnessed together in this condition. However, there are other conditions as well in which a person may experience these signs. To confirm consult your doctor. Depending on the severity of your condition the doctor may prescribe you drugs or insulin shots. Along with that, you will be required to make some necessary lifestyle changes to manage your blood sugar levels. Remember that unmanaged diabetes can damage your organs over time and may turn fatal.