Hunger
The sensation of needing to eat, which can be increased by low blood sugar or metabolic conditions.
Conditions associated with hunger
The following conditions have been associated with hunger in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Tests providers may use to investigate hunger
When investigating hunger, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Fasting Glucose
Measures blood sugar after fasting to screen for diabetes and prediabetes....
Fasting Insulin
Measures insulin levels to help assess insulin resistance....
Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase G6Pd Test, Quantitative
Order Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Test, Quantitative.com online through our partner and visit a l...
Glucose Blood Test
The glucose test is a blood test used to measure glucose (blood sugar) levels. Glucose is the major source of ...
Igf-1 Insulin Blood Test
Our IGF-1 blood test is commonly used to measure levels of human growth hormone (hGH) and its activity....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside hunger
Confusion
Lack of clarity and coherence of thought, perception, understanding, or action....
Excessive Sweating
Sweating more than is needed to regulate body temperature, which can accompany fever, anxiety, hypoglycemia, o...
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Irritability
Easily annoyed or frustrated mood, which can be caused by stress, sleep problems, hormonal changes, or mood di...
Palpitations
A sensation that the heart is pounding or racing, which is a non-specific sign but may be a manifestation of a...
Tremor
An unintentional, oscillating to-and-fro muscle movement about a joint axis....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if hunger is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom hunger mean?
Hunger is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. The sensation of needing to eat, which can be increased by low blood sugar or metabolic conditions.
Which conditions are associated with hunger?
Hunger has been reported in association with 1 condition in the medical literature we index, including Hypoglycemia. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about hunger?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.