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What Causes Frequent Urination, Excessive Thirst And Hunger?

Posted on Thu, 9 Jul 2015

Question: Normally it is said that if one has frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger he should get him self tested for diabetes. I want to know whether these are classic symptoms. Unless one has these symptoms he should not worry about onset of diabetes ? please respond

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Presentation of diabetes can be variable in each person. Unexplained thirst ,hunger and frequent urination i usually present in case diabetes. Most people metabolic syndrome usually precedes diabetes.

Fat deposition in body increases especially the belly and chest, generalized tiredness and hypertension is a sign of metabolic syndrome.

So it is better to check your blood sugar levels in fasting and post food intake to rule out diabetes. HBA1C level should be checked to get a last 3 months glycemic control.

In initial stages diabetes can be reversed to some extent. Taking metformin , liraglutide injections and exercises will help for this. Sulphonylureas should be avoided for treatment also.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (16 hours later)

Thanks Doctor for providing initial learning. Actually some times in two three months I have frequent urination, sometimes increase in appetite and also sometimes thirst , although these symptoms do not persist for more than two to three days. Sometimes only one of them is present sometimes all together. I get my HbA1C tested every three- four months.It is sometimes 5.5 to 5.6 Lately my HbA1C in May-2015 was 5.5. Whereas FBS fluctuates between 95 mg/dl to 105 mg/dl and PPBS fluctuates between 93 mg/dl to 119.5 mg/dl (recently). I am not obese (Height 172 cm and weight 72 kg). My BP normally does not go beyond 130/80. My parents do not have diabetes. Kindly let me know with reference to the health status as given above, 1.what is the state of my health wrt diabetes? 2.How frequently I should get myself tested for BloodSugar level?3. whether FBS/PPBS should be done or better go for HbA1c and how frequently?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your tests are normal.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up.

Your test results are normal. It doesn't show any prediabetic signs also. Your height and weight are within normal proportion also. As your height is 172 weight should be within 72 plus or minus 5kg range. Hba1c 5.7 to 6.4 is considered as prediabetic or in group of increased risk for diabetes. FBS should be below 100 and above 100 to 126 can be having risk for diabetes. When considering overall your tests are normal.

You can do at least 1 hour exercise daily. Jogging or walking with at least 8km per hour speed is good. Check your lipid profile also. Have your dinner early and light. This will give an absolutely normal FBS.

You can go for for blood sugar checking once in 6 months. Once in 6 months you can do FBS PPBS as well as HBA1c. HBA1c can be avoided. But it gives your last 3 to 4 months sugar level picture.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (26 minutes later)

Thanks doctor for analysing my test results and responding quickly. However you have not explained as to why I have increased thirst or appetite or urination intermittently. Is it normal? Secondly , does the variation in test results depend upon the gap between the last meal and the test, especially in PPBS. May a difference of 15 to 20 minutes also affect the two test results? I am more perturbed because for some days, due to some personal reasons, I am not having very sound sleep. So bit of stress is there. Because of which I feel drowsy. Some suggested that it could be because of Blood Sugar going low. But even after meals , drowsiness persists. Last question, Are there any chances of a non-diabetic person also getting hypoglycaemia when he has normal food intake?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Multiple reasons for these findings.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up.

Increased appetite and frequent urination can also come in climatic variation, changes in sleep pattern or due losing of weight or due to taking excess carbohyrates or in case of stress. Those are physiologic ( adjustment of body) which is considered normal.

PPBS test result - there can be variation in levels of PPBS with 15 to 20 minutes difference.

Hypoglycemia is possible in non diabetic person. Continuous physical activity , very high protein diet , or loss of weight can also gives. In case of any inflammatory process in body or parasitic infestation also gives that. You can go for a blood routine and ESR test to rule out signs of that. Worm eradication should be done with drugs like albendazole. Do stress relaxation exercises like breathing exercise. Sit relaxed and take deep breaths. Do this a couple of times a day.

Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj