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Extreme Thirst Due to Diabetes

When the body becomes dehydrated, the result is the sensation of thirst. Excessive thirst is also one of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, excessive thirst is an important indicator in detecting diabetes.

  1. Urination

    • The kidneys produce urine to flush out waste products from the body. Much of the water used is re-absorbed into the body before the urine is excreted in order to conserve moisture. When more urine is produced, the body becomes dehydrated.

    High Blood Sugar

    • When the level of sugar in the blood is too high, it prevents the body from being able to re-absorb much of the water. This causes even more urine to be produced, further dehydrating the body.

    Cycle

    • When more urine is produced, you become thirsty. As a result, you drink more. This introduces more moisture into the body that then needs to be eliminated, creating a cycle of thirst and elimination.

    Kidney Damage

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, high levels of blood sugar cause the kidneys to have to filter more blood. Over time, this can wear out and damage the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure.

    Diabetes Insipidus

    • Diabetes Insipidus is a rare form of diabetes that occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce the hormone vasopressin. According to the University of Washington, the lack of vasopressin can lead to excessive urination, which, in turn, causes excessive thirst.

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