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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why am I always thirsty?

    Related Topics
    Kidney Health & Urology Nutrition
    I have a desk job which obviously doesnt entail much physical exertion, yet I am always really thirsty. I drink lots of water to compensate and need to piss virtually every 45 mins.

    What could this mean?
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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    One of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes is excessive thirst or polydypsia. This often leads to frequent urination or polyuria. The reason why these occur is because the body contains high amounts of glucose (sugar) in the blood and it is trying to get rid of it.

    Without knowing your family history, past medical history and weight status it is hard to determine whether or not you are at an increased risk of diabetes. I would recommend you go to your doctor to get checked out for diabetes or any other disease that may be causing your symptoms. If it is diabetes you can be assured that you can have a team of health professionals to help you manage the condition.

    Another cause for excessive urination could be that if you do not normally drink much water and then suddenly increase your intake, initially, your body will be regularly getting rid of water. This is because plain water doesn't contain and sodium which helps your body to hold onto fluid (hence why sports drinks contain sodium to help rehydrate). Over time your body will adapt and the frequent urination should subside.
     

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    Thanks

    Sharon Brooks

    Nutritionist

    Sharon, a Registered Nutritionist RNutr and Food Scientist runs a nutrition consulting business that specialises in proactive nutrition and disease prevention.Sharon runs corporate, school and … View Profile

    Chris has provided an in depth explanation. One more suggestion is your thirst may be related to Diabetes Insipidus (DI). This is a condition characterised by excessive thirst with frequent and dilute urine. The most common type of DI is due to a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone, also called arginine vasopressin. The second most common cause is due to an insensitivity of kidneys to the antidiuretic hormone. Contrary to its name, DI has nothing to do with blood sugar related Diabetes.

    It may be worthwhile speaking to your GP about a fluid deprivation test and measure of osmolarity and blood electrolytes. This is the diagnostic for DI.


    All the best       

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