Is frequent urination a sign of type 2 diabetes? There are different ways to determine whether the urinary frequency is an early sign of type 2 diabetes. One way to make sure if you’re a possible candidate for this chronic disease is to undergo urine tests for diabetes. Here’s what you need to know.
What is frequent urination?
Frequent urination is the need to urinate more often than usual. A person may experience frequent urination during the daytime and even during nighttime (nocturia).
Commonly, frequent urination results from drinking too much liquid or consuming diuretic foods and beverages.
Urination is just a mere way of expelling waste and excess water from the body and is not a usual cause for concern.
However, if you have been experiencing urinary frequency, and it’s been affecting your daily routine, then it might be a warning sign for a more serious condition like type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: All You Need To Know
Is frequent urination an early sign of type 2 diabetes?
Frequent urination is one of the most common early signs of type 2 diabetes, aside from extreme thirst and hunger.
When glucose in your blood is abnormally high, the kidneys will work on eliminating the excess sugar through the urine
This results in the overproduction of urine (polyuria) and urine frequency.
Frequent urination due to type 2 diabetes does not only eliminate the essential fluids your body needs, but it might also result in dehydration.
How to know if it’s diabetes
There are different ways to determine if your urine frequency is due to diabetes. One way is to check your glucose level at home by using a glucometer.
However, if this device is not on hand, then the best option you have is to monitor your urinary frequency by taking note of the following:
- How many times do you urinate in a day?
- How much do you urinate in a day?
- Does it cause inconveniences to your activities of daily living?
When it’s time to see a doctor, all you need to do is to present these notes to show them what you’ve been experiencing lately.
If the doctor advises additional testing, it’s important to be aware that abnormally high levels of ketones may be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetes that may result in coma, and even death.
Are urine tests for diabetes enough for diagnosis?
Urine tests are a great way to monitor a person’s blood sugar levels and ketones.
However, the results from urine tests are not enough to come up with a diagnosis right away. Measurement of urine glucose is not recommended for screening, due to its insensitivity in detecting type 2 diabetes.
For doctors to provide an accurate diagnosis and prognosis, a patient must undergo other tests like several blood tests and glucose tolerance tests.
Usually, doctors confirms whether a patient has diabetes or not after a blood test.
Key takeaways
Is frequent urination a sign of type 2 diabetes? Yes, it can be, but other health conditions might be causing the same problem.
Therefore, if you have been dealing with frequent urination for a while, it is best if you get a consultation right away.
It’s important to note that at-home urine tests are not advisable, especially if you plan to use them for your own diagnosis of DM. In the long run, it’s more convenient and more affordable to have yourself checked with a doctor regarding frequent urination.
Once you get your results, the next step to do is to consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Remember not to self-diagnose and always ask medical advice from a health care professional.
Learn more about Type 2 Diabetes, here.
