Is Thirst A Symptom Of Diabetes

Slow Healing Wounds And Increased Skin Infections

Lingering sugar in the blood wreaks havoc on veins and arteries disrupting circulation. Without proper blood flow, it takes longer for cuts and bruises to heal, and you are more prone to skin infections.

Red Flag: Paper cuts, bumps and bruises take more than a few days to go away, cuts scab over repeatedly or wounds that last weeks to months.

Thirst Is A Warning Sign Of Diabetes

Insulin helps your body use sugar for energy. When you donât have enough insulin, excess sugar builds up in your blood.

Kidneys are your backup here. They work extra hard to absorb and filter that excess sugar.

They may also pass some of that sugar out of your body through urine. As that happens, it pulls fluids from your tissues, too. The process leaves you dehydrated and thirsty.

Symptoms Develop Gradually With Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop graduallyso gradually, in fact, that its possible to miss them or to not connect them as related symptoms. Some people are actually surprised when they are because theyve gone to the doctor for something else .

If youre not insulin resistantand instead your body doesnt produce enough insulin to process glucose wellthe symptoms also develop gradually. Your body will be able to make do with lower insulin levels for awhile, but eventually, you will start to notice the following symptoms.

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Genes And Family History

As in type 1 diabetes, certain genes may make you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The disease tends to run in families and occurs more often in these racial/ethnic groups:

• African Americans
• Native Hawaiians
• Pacific Islanders

Genes also can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing a persons tendency to become overweight or obese.

If You Ignore The Signs Of Diabetes

Its hard to ignore the signs of type 1 diabetes because symptoms can often appear quite quickly. But leaving it untreated can lead to serious health problems, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which can result in a potentially fatal coma.

Although the majority of people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood and early adulthood, the symptoms are the same at any age. Adults with type 1 diabetes may not recognise their diabetes symptoms as quickly as children, which could mean their diagnosis and treatment may be delayed.

Type 2 diabetes can be easier to miss as it develops more slowly, especially in the early stages when it can be harder to spot the symptoms. But untreated diabetes affects many major organs, including your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Being diagnosed early and managing your blood sugar levels can help prevent these complications. Use our Know Your Risk tool to check your risk of type 2 diabetes.

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Calculate Your Risk Of Diabetes

See your doctor if you have excessive hunger and thirst, any other symptoms of diabetes, or any changes in your body that you cannot explain. You might go to your doctor specifically to ask about diabetes, or you might be surprised to find out that your symptoms are a sign of diabetes. This is what you should know about excessive hunger and thirst due to diabetes.

Causes Of Excessive Thirst

Polydipsia is a feeling of excessive thirst despite drinking plenty of water. It is also known as excessive thirst or water intoxication. It is generally accompanied by dryness of the mouth. Generally, polydipsia condition can last for a few days or weeks. But if this condition persists it requires medical treatment as it can be due to other health ailments like diabetes, kidney problems, sepsis, dehydration, or mental illness.

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Type I Diabetes Symptoms

It is important to know how to recognize diabetes symptoms as kids with type 1 diabetes can end up in a diabetic coma if the diagnosis is delayed too long. The symptoms, which typically develop over a short period of time often include:

• Frequent urination
• Being very thirsty or drinking a lot

Concern increases if other diabetes symptoms are present, such as:

• Eating a lot or extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Irritability
• Blurred vision

Craving sugar is not typically a symptom of diabetes. Although genetics is a risk factor , 85% of kids with type 1 diabetes have no family history of diabetes.

Weight loss is an especially important red flag symptom for type 1 diabetes. If a child has the classic symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight loss, then a pediatrician will likely suspect diabetes even before a urinalysis or blood sugar test is completed. Weight loss can occur because of dehydration, a loss of body fat , or both.

On the other hand, if a child has other diabetes symptoms without weight loss, it’s still important to do these tests. But the chance that diabetes will be found is much lower. The peak ages for diagnosis of type 1 diabetes are between ages 5 and 7 years, and then again at the start of puberty.

Don’t hesitate to see your pediatrician if you think your child might have any symptoms of diabetes.

Who Is More Likely To Have Diabetes Insipidus

People of all ages can develop diabetes insipidus. You are more likely to develop the condition if you1,2

• have a family history of diabetes insipidus
• had brain surgery or a major head injury
• take medicines that can cause kidney problems, including some bipolar disorder medicines and diuretics
• have metabolic disorders

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Common Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes

• American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes2009. Diabetes Care. 2009 32:S13-61.
• Becker G. Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the newly Diagnosed. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Marlowe & Company 2007.
• McCulloch D. Patient information: Diabetes type 2: Overview. UpToDate Web site. January 30, 2009. Available at: http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~n0K0MIfI1iZs.& selectedTitle=5~150& source=search_result. Accessed April 20, 2009.
• McCulloch D. Patient information: Diabetes mellitus type 2: Overview. UpToDate Web site. December 4, 2008. Available at: http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~X0jjLnBn4._ko& selectedTitle=4~150& source=search_result. Accessed April 20, 2009.

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed

Diabetes is diagnosed with the following tests:

• A1C test

• Dopamine receptor agonists such as bromocriptine
• Bile acid sequestrants such as colesevelam
• SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin , canagliflozin , empagliflozin , and ertugliflozin
• GLP-1 receptor agonists such as lixisenatide , exenatide , semaglutide , albiglutide , dulaglutide , and liraglutide
• Amylin analog such as pramlintide acetate
• Combination medicines, which may be made up of more than one medication in the above classes

If lifestyle changes and medications are insufficient, other treatments for diabetes may include:

• Weight-loss surgery for certain patients who are obese
• Artificial pancreas

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How Much Fluid Does Our Body Needs

According to a research study, drinking fluids is highly essential for a healthy body and mood. Fluid loss causes dehydration and it can have negative impacts on health. Fluid loss can cause mood disturbances, difficulty in concentration, and increased headache frequencies. Due to fatigue and body loss causing mild dehydration, the persons physical and mental performance ability decreases .

Thus, maintaining proper body fluids is highly essential. Body fluid loss can occur daily through breathing, sweating, the passing of urine, and bowel movements. Drinking water and fluids replenishes this loss of the body fluid.

To remain, healthy doctors, advise consuming 8 glasses of water per day. But the general guidelines are as follows:

• 3.7 liters of water/ fluids per day for a healthy male
• 2.7 litres of water/fluids per day for healthy females .

But remember the body fluid intake may depend on the following factors and you should consider these factors to balance your body fluid needs.

Summary

Drink fluids to stay physically and mentally active.

Thirst And High Blood Sugar

Now you know why hunger is a sign of high blood sugar. You may also notice an increase in your thirst if you have type 2 diabetes. This symptom is also the result of too much sugar in your bloodstream. Your thirst is a sign of dehydration. Here is what happens.

• The concentration of glucose in your blood is higher than it should be.
• Your body wants to dilute the glucose to reduce the concentration to healthier levels.
• Your body pulls water to your bloodstream from where the water is available tissues such as your muscles.
• Your muscles become dehydrated and let your brain know.
• Your brain tells you that you are thirsty.

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Is Polydipsia Dangerous

When it comes to diabetes, polydipsia can be dangerous. Prolonged dehydration can lead to nausea, dizziness, headaches and fainting. And if you do have diabetes, but have not yet been diagnosed, this dehydration has the potential to lead to diabetic ketoacidosis which can lead to organ failure, coma or death. Another concern is that extreme dehydration can also make your blood-sugar levels rise more quickly than normal since less urineand glucoseis being expelled.

Other Causes Of Thirst

There are also many other potential causes of severe thirst. These include:

• diabetes insipidus a condition caused by problems with a hormone that regulates the amount of fluid in the body
• diabetic ketoacidosis a dangerous complication of diabetes caused by a lack of the hormone insulin in the body
• sickle cell aneamia an inherited blood disorder
• psychogenic polydipsia where a person with a mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, drinks excessive amounts of water that can’t be excreted by the kidneys
• excessive bleeding

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There Are Various Forms Of Diabetes Insipidus

• Neurogenic – the brain doesn’t produce enough of the hormone vasopressin. Some of the events that could cause this form of diabetes insipidus include head injury, infection , brain tumour, ruptured aneurysm or brain surgery. In about half of cases, the cause remains unknown .
• Nephrogenic – the kidneys aren’t sensitive to vasopressin and fail to respond. This comparatively rare form of diabetes insipidus is caused by an inherited disorder that affects the tubules, the tiny structures inside the kidneys that absorb water. Men are more prone to this condition than women. In adults nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can be caused by treatment with lithium and by hypercalcemia.

Uncontrolled Diabetes May Trigger Unexpected Weight Loss

In type 2 diabetes, the bodys cells don’t get enough glucose for energy. As a result, the body can turn to breaking down its fat stores for energy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Severe, unintended weight loss is most common when the type 2 diabetes goes undetected for a long time, according to research.

Increased urination can also contribute to weight loss. For example, if you are urinating high levels of glucose because of uncontrolled diabetes, you are literally flushing calories down the toilet, says Daniel Einhorn, MD, the medical director of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California in San Diego. Dehydration involves a significant loss of water weight.

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An Overview Of Excessive Thirst

Feeling thirsty is normal. Feeling thirsty when youre drinking plenty of water is not. Every person gets thirsty throughout the day. Drinking several glasses of water during the day is crucial. Our bodies need water for many vital bodily functions such as removing waste and regulating body temperature.

If youre always thirsty or experiencing excessive thirst at night, even after you drink water, it can be a sign of a health issue.

What To Expect At Your Office Visit

The provider will get your medical history and perform a physical exam.

The provider may ask you questions such as:

• How long have you been aware of having increased thirst? Did it develop suddenly or slowly?
• Does your thirst stay the same all day?
• Did you change your diet? Are you eating more salty or spicy foods?

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Are Diabetes Insipidus And Diabetes Mellitus The Same

Diabetes insipidus is not the same as diabetes mellitus. Although both conditions can increase thirst, intake of liquids, and urination, they are not related.

• In diabetes mellitus, the level of glucose in your blood, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your kidneys try to remove the extra glucose by passing it in your urine.
• In diabetes insipidus, your blood glucose levels are normal, but your kidneys cant properly concentrate urine.

When To See A Doctor

If you have excess thirst or other symptoms, you may have diabetes, or your diabetes may not be well-managed.

Ask your doctor to test you for diabetes. This involves a blood test. You will have to fast for about 12 hours before the test. For this reason, its best to schedule your appointment first thing in the morning.

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When To Call For Help

If you see any of the above symptoms in your child or teen, call your pediatrician. Increased urination and odorless, pale urine should always be red flags as they may signal water imbalance.

Children with DI are also at an increased risk for dehydration if they dont replenish the loss of water, so they need to be observed for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sluggishness, muscle weakness, dizziness, few or no tears when crying, rapid heart beat, fever, lack of sweating and extreme thirst.

What Are The Early Signs And Symptoms In Women With Diabetes

Many type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms in women are the same as those in men however, there are some symptoms and complications of diabetes unique to women.

Vaginal itching and pain as well as vaginal and oral yeast infections: An overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus can cause vaginal yeast infections and oral yeast infections . Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

Symptoms of oral thrush include:

5. Decrease in sex drive: Women with diabetes may experience lower sex drive , blood flow problems to the genital area, which can decrease sexual response and orgasm, and nerve damage that can result in vaginal dryness and decreased sensation.

6. Polycystic ovary syndrome : This is a common cause of female infertility and insulin resistance. It can cause signs and symptoms like irregular periods, acne, thinning scalp hair, and excess hair growth on the face and body. High insulin levels also increase the risk of developing diabetes, and about half of women with PCOS develop diabetes.

7. Urinary tract infections : A UTI occurs when bacteria enter anywhere in the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, kidneys, and bladder. They are much more common in women than in men in general, and they occur more often in people with diabetes because the sugar in the urine presents a breeding ground for bacterial growth.

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Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Unfortunately, children with type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms at all, which can make early diagnosis difficult. Many type 2 diabetes symptoms are actually late symptoms of the condition, which develop gradually after many years of having diabetes. These signs and symptoms can include:

• Type 1 diabetes symptoms, including frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, and extreme hunger
• Frequent infections
• Increased risk of infections for example, catching viruses very easily compared with before
• Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

Because children with type 2 diabetes may not have any classic diabetes symptoms, pediatricians and parents should instead look for other signs and risk factors for the disease. These can include being overweight, having acanthosis nigricans or striae , and a positive family history of type 2 diabetes.

High-risk kids can be routinely screened for diabetes, including a hemoglobin A1C test. This test gives an average reading of blood sugar over a period of weeks to months.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

You’ll be given a special sweetened drink prior to this blood test. A test result of 11.1 mmol/L or greater taken two hours after having the sweet drink indicates diabetes.

A second test must be done in all cases . Once diabetes has been diagnosed, ask your doctor to refer you for diabetes education. Diabetes Canada also has many resources to help you understand diabetes better and live a long and healthy life. Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and managing the disease is not easy. But it is important to know that you can live a long and healthy life by taking a number of steps including keeping your blood sugar levels in target range.

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Is It Polydipsia Or Something Else

If you have thirst that wonât go away no matter how much you drink, or you pee an unusual amount every day, you could have polydipsia. But donât jump to conclusions about your diabetes status. Keep in mind that many medications can cause thirst and dry mouth, including:

• Antipsychotics

• Sexual and bladder problems

What Does Undiagnosed Diabetes Feel Like

I remember feeling really tired and sleepy, but I didnt think anything of it as I was trying to juggle work and caring for my three children. When I got diagnosed, it made me think about my mum and her health. I thought she might have had diabetes too. She always used to feel tired and she had a boil on her leg that never seemed to heal. Read Saritas story in full.

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