Polydipsia is the medical term for excessive thirst – and it’s a key indicator of type 2 diabetes. The sensation is usually accompanied by temporary or prolonged dryness of the mouth, and drinking a glass or two of water doesn’t satisfy that dehydrated feeling.
The symptoms of polydipsia are recognised as:
- Having persistent and unexplained thirst, regardless of how much you drink
- Passing more than five litres of urine a day
Increased thirst for those with type 2 diabetes is the result of high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
The pancreas (a large gland found behind the stomach) is responsible for producing the hormone insulin which, in turn, controls the amount of glucose (sugar) is in the blood.
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Informed by the Society for Endocrinology, insulin produces glucose by breaking down carbohydrates found in certain types of food.
Glucose is used by cells in the body as a source of energy that allows them to function properly.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin.
Without insulin, cells are unable to use glucose as energy and they will start malfunctioning.
Extra glucose that isn’t used by the cells will be converted and stored as fat.
With around 4.7 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, as reported by Diabetes UK, this illness has become a huge problem in society.
If diabetes isn’t managed correctly, it can lead to other health problems with the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys.
Being diagnosed early and controlling blood sugar levels can help prevent these complications.
Aside from excessive thirst, other initial symptoms of diabetes are:
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Polyuria (frequent urination)
- Dizziness
- Slow healing
- Genital itchiness
- Weight loss
- Polyphagia (excessive hunger)
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The healthcare charity attributes the dramatic increase in obesity as being the main reason diabetes has become so widespread.
The NHS recommends losing weight (if you’re overweight), as this makes it easier for your body to lower blood sugar levels.
The national health body goes on to say that people “should aim for 2.5 hours of activity a week… as long as what you’re doing gets you out of breath”.
Most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need medication to manage the condition.
People are entitled to free prescriptions for their diabetes medicine. To claim for free prescriptions, you’ll need to apply for an exemption certificate.
To do this, the NHS instructs people to fill in a form at your GP surgery. The exemption certificate should arrive in the post about a week later – and will last for up to five years.
Show this certificate at the pharmacy when you go to collect your diabetes medication. Save any receipts if you’ve already paid for diabetes medicine before the exemption certificate arrives, as you can claim the money back.
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