Want to know why you feel too thirsty? Here is why

There has been incidence where people feel the need to drink water constantly. While this might be a normal scenario for some persons, in other cases it can be worrisome for others.

In worrisome cases, here is what you should know. Being abnormally thirsty alone doesn’t make up suspicion of a disease. Many accompanying symptoms in general should prompt immediate attention.

Many different conditions make you feel abnormally thirsty. Common examples include: Diabetes mellitus; nephrogenic diabetes insipidus & central genesis diabetes insipidus. We are going to emphasize on type 1 diabetes for educational purposes.

Definition & symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an endocrine disorder that affects the ability of your pancreas to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that makes it possible for your tissues to absorb glucose.

Although type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, peak incidence is observed among children 10-14 years old. Several genetic and environmental factors increase your chances of having this disease. A co-relation exists between patients with celiac disease who have type 1 diabetes. Self-antibodies against islet cells of the pancreas have also been reported as a cause of this disease.

Let’s jump right into the symptoms and signs of type 1 diabetes. If you feel worried about your abnormal crave for water, here are accompanying signs:

1. Constant urination at night, with during daytime too
2. Dry mouth & tongue
3. Gradual decrease in body weight
4. Fruity breath smell
5. Tiredness & lethargy

On having these symptoms, you must visit the nearest primary care facility for investigations and recommendations.

Standard tests & monitoring requirement

There are tests done to detect high blood sugar in your blood. Your family doctor would recommend you do the random plasma glucose test or the fasting plasma glucose test. An RPG test of ≥11.1mmol/l or FPG of ≥7mmol/l indicate you have diabetes.

Your doctor might request further tests like the glycosylated hemoglobin test to deduce your plasma glucose level for past 3 month. After your diagnosis is confirmed, you would begin insulin therapy. This therapy would help complement the insulin deficit your pancreas produces.

Frequent monitoring of your glucose level at home is required during insulin therapy. Blood glucose & ketone monitoring can be done using the glucometer instrument. You should strive to maintain these normal readings:

• On waking up in the morning: 4mmol/l to 6.9mmol/l
• 2 hours after meal: 5mmol/l to 9mmol/l
• Blood ketone: 0.0mmol/l to 0.6mmol/l

Long term complications

What happens when you don’t control your blood glucose level? Blood capillaries and large vessels within your organs risk being damaged gradually. Some complications are:

1. Difficulty with your vision
2. Kidney damage
3. Foot gangrene
4. Nerve damage
5. Heart disease
6. Stroke

To avoid these complications from occurring, your doctor would recommend that you visit the clinic at least once a year for regular medical checkup.