Why does thirsty occur with diabetes mellitus?

Answer 1

In the case of a Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus - NIDDM) or Prediabetes (Impaired Glucose Tolerance - IGT), the pancreas produces little insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin that is present and therefore the cells cannot use these glucose in the body. Excessive glucose then starts to build up in the bloodstream and the kidney cannot filter all these extra glucose.

Two things will then happen:

Your body will send signals to your brain to drink more water to dilute the blood glucose / sugar levels back to normal.

The "extra" glucose escapes to the urine and thickens it and at the same time draws more water to help it flow through the kidneys. The extra water you drank eventually fills your bladder.

These will cause you to urinate more often and in larger amounts. In the end your body gets dehydrated and makes you feel extremely thirsty.

The cycle continues as your blood glucose / sugar levels are still high, your body will keep thinking you need more water and as you drink more water, you urinate more……a vicious cycle.

Answer 2

The word diabetes means "to go right through" or "to release water". When you have diabetes you void alot of water, (pee alot). Thus, the chronic thirst.

Answer 3

This is a possible sign of high blood sugar.