Question
At 24 years old, I’m experiencing thirst, polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss. Could it be diabetes?
Answer
This symptom cluster may indicate diabetes. Diabetes is a comprehensive syndrome caused by genetic factors, immune dysfunction, microbial infections and their toxins, free radicals, and psychological factors. The main feature is hyperglycemia, with common symptoms including polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss. It is recommended to undergo postprandial 2-hour glucose and fasting blood glucose tests for diagnosis, and to strictly follow a diabetes diet, quit smoking and alcohol, engage in moderate exercise, use insulin treatment, and monitor blood glucose levels.