In some cases, it can be a symptom of a serious disease, such as type 1 diabetes. This is a condition that, if left untreated, can be life-threatening, so it is very important to recognize its warning signs early. Worldwide, approximately 8.7 million people live with this disease, including about 464,000 in Great Britain, the portal writes
One of the lesser-known symptoms of type 1 diabetes is polyuria, that is, an increased need to urinate. This condition occurs when high blood sugar forces the kidneys to filter excess glucose and flush it out in the urine, which also removes water from the body. This process causes patients to visit the toilet more often, often several times a night. Some people with this condition report having to go to the toilet four to eight times a day, in extreme cases even every 15 to 20 minutes.
The increased need to urinate often leads to excessive thirst as the body tries to replace lost fluids. This phenomenon creates an inexorable cycle: frequent urination causes thirst, thirst leads to drinking fluids, and then the urge to urinate appears again. Doctors also recommend monitoring other symptoms that may warn of diabetes, such as fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
Ignoring these symptoms can have serious consequences. Untreated diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which manifests as vomiting, severe dehydration, confusion, and coma. In the most severe cases, DKA can be fatal without urgent medical intervention. Therefore, it is crucial that people who notice frequent urination and excessive thirst get a blood test and, if necessary, begin insulin treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes significantly reduces the risk of serious health complications and improves the quality of life of patients. Further information and expert advice is available on the NHS website where people can find out more about the symptoms and treatment options. Therefore, frequent urination may not be just a minor inconvenience – it can be an important signal that your body is struggling to regulate sugar, and you should pay attention to it.
