While talking about increased urination in diabetes, there are greater chances that person experiences more thirst. Besides that, there are some other reasons as well which you need to keep in mind if you are suffering from diabetes. Let us understand the most commonly asked question, why do diabetics pee a lot?
Why do Diabetics Pee a Lot?
In diabetes, blood sugar level goes up and the excess glucose has to be excreted in the form of urination. Frequent urination generally happens in case of type-2 diabetes and kidneys have to work a lot in this case, the more is the urination, higher is an urge to urinate.
Frequent urination is the commonest symptom among those suffering from diabetes. Diabetics have a problem in which their bodies cannot regulate the glucose level in blood. In such cases, person suffering from Diabetes tends to urinate excessively and this increased frequency of urination is called polyuria. Increased frequency of urination is seen particularly more during the night. If a person has already been suffering from uncontrolled diabetes (which is called as hyperglycemia), polyuria is bound to occur.
When considering why diabetics pee a lot, here are some factors that influence the condition.
Increased Thirst
As diabetes is known to cause increased thirst and hunger, the diabetic person needs to drink plenty of water. This is one of the simplest causes that explains why diabetics pee a lot.
Polyuria is a cause of concern when a person is suffering from excessive urination and diabetes. For the obvious reasons, excessive thirst also known as polydipsia may be considered as warning sign. Kidneys are forced to work a lot when sugar level in blood goes up in case of diabetes. As a result, it needs to get emptied which leaves you severely dehydrated.
Person feels dehydrated and has the urge to drink more water leading to frequent urination which is a major symptom of diabetes. This actually forms a vicious cycle which becomes a problem if left untreated or in case of delayed treatment, it can lead to complications.
Nerve Problems
In order to ensure proper functioning of the bladder, the nerves too need to be working properly. When nerves fail to give the muscles a sign of fullness, sphincters cannot open up which fails the nerve functioning. Nerve problems are common in diabetes, which is one other reason why diabetics pee a lot. Diabetic neuropathy, feeling of numbness and tingling in limbs is a common problem in diabetes, which indicates nerve problems.
Bladder Problems
Bladder health has a lot to do with diabetes, the duration of it and the overall control of blood sugar levels. Those people, who have been very ignorant about their health condition and blood sugar levels, usually face the problem of increased urination. However, in most of the cases, diabetes can be controlled through medication and proper diet and lifestyle.
But sometimes, diabetes goes untreated which results in raised blood sugar levels. This can lead to other health issues, which can also be one of the reasons why diabetics pee a lot. When sugar levels hike up abnormally, bladder dysfunction may occur which is also termed as neurological disorder of bladder. In this situation, nerves of your bladder are affected to the extent that it becomes tough for the organ to get emptied fully. Thus causing increased urination, particularly in diabetics.
People with a diabetic bladder have problems in urination, with complaints like:
- Difficulty to start a urinary stream
- Incontinence
- Sensations to urinate urgently
- Urinary tract infections or UTIs
In the early phase of this problem related with bladder, nerves of this organ get damaged and patients may not feel like going to bathroom at all. This happens when bladder loses the sensation to get empty and rather, it is up to 600 cc that bladder gets filled and person does not feel like urinating at all. This condition of bladder weakens the detrusor muscles thus making it tough for the person to urinate.
It is believed that, when bladder is not emptied fully, it fills up again in a very quick way. This causes the sphincter muscles to fail in controlling the urination. This condition is termed as ‘overflow incontinence’ which makes the bladder become overactive.
Associated Problems
Polyuria cannot be linked exclusively with diabetes as some people have bladder problems which also increase frequency of urination. In case of elderly, incontinence may also be associated with polyuria, particularly in women. While in men, prostate may be a cause of concern, causing increased urination. Nevertheless, when such problems are existing along with diabetes, it increases the chances of frequent urination, which again explains why diabetics pee a lot.
How to Manage Increased Urination in Diabetes?
The most effective way to manage excessive peeing, is to control diabetes in the first place. In advanced form of diabetes, polyuria can be controlled with apt medication and good diet. Proper advice from an endocrinologist is essential for effective diabetes management. For treating complex cases of diabetes and urinary problems, it is necessary to see an urologist as well.
Appropriate medications, proper diet and food which controls blood glucose level, is important to manage diabetes. With the help of proper medication, you can always keep yourself healthy and fit. As dehydration is a major concern in diabetics, it is important to increase the intake of water and fluids as well. Numerous people who are suffering from diabetes face this problem which becomes a cause of concern during summers. So, make sure you are taking all your medications in a proper way and follow a lifestyle which keeps you active.
Now that you know why diabetics pee a lot, maintaining a healthy routine and controlling blood sugar level can help you in every way.