thirst

[imintrigued]

What causes diabetic thirst?

[Quizmonster]

Even though I'm a diabetic myself, I might have this wrong, but - as I understand it - it works as follows. When blood-sugar is especially high, the kidneys work overtime to try to rid the body of it in the urine. (Excessive widdling is one sign of diabetes.) Since this flushing-out process drains the body of fluid, the obvious thing to do is drink...ie slake the thirst.

(I stand ready to be shot down in flames!)

[imintrigued]

Thank you Quizmonster for your answer.

[medico]

Quizmonster is quite right (as I've noticed is very often the case!) to say that the excess sugar is the cause. The body has numerous sensors in it which can detect the build up of carbon dioxide or other toxins. Another type of sensor detects the osmolality or concentration of the blood. Excess glucose molecules increase the osmolality of the blood making you drink more. The kidneys detect the increase in fluid load and make you wee more. So although you are drinking more, it is possible for diabetics to become dangerously dehydrated. This is the main reason for needing hospital treatment...for a drip. Hope this helps.

[medico]

Sorry, me again! Or non-insulin dependent diabetics can get a very complicated thing called HONK, where they have way too much fluid in them, but not in the right parts (compartments).

[Quizmonster]

I'm grateful for the back-up, Medico, and thanks for the kind comment.