Is Increased Urination a Sign of Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a common health condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes. Remarkably, 1 in 5 people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, as diabetes often does not have definable symptoms in adults. However, the condition is so widespread, that there is likely someone in your life who has diabetes — perhaps even you. 

As diabetes advances, it can lead to various complications. One potentially concerning symptom is frequently feeling like you have to pee. In fact, the word “diabetes” is of Greek origin, meaning “to pass through.” Recognizing and addressing this somewhat disruptive symptom can help with diabetes management and improve quality of life.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by elevated blood sugar due to insulin resistance and deficiency (lack). In other words, the body stops responding to insulin, which is a natural hormone that controls glucose (sugar) levels in our bodies. When the pancreas tries to make more insulin, it can’t keep up. This insulin deficiency causes elevated blood sugar.

So what does this have to do with urine? The kidney performs many essential functions for the body. One major function of the kidney is to filter the blood and excrete waste. At very high sugar levels, though, the kidney is unable to filter and reabsorb glucose, causing the excess glucose to be excreted into the urine. As a result, some people with diabetes can experience increased urination and intense, increased thirst. The increased thirst leads patients to drink more, which continues the cycle.

To be clear, there is generally no “normal” number of times one should pee per day. This is also true for the volume of urine a person will put out each day. What’s normal varies from person to person and is affected by many different factors. These could include fluid intake, diet, consumption of alcohol or caffeine, medications or overall health.

Diagnosing diabetes

It’s important to consider that just because you are peeing more often than usual, it does not automatically mean you have diabetes. However, you should talk to your doctor if frequent urination occurs or if you have other symptoms. Some warning signs to screen for diabetes include increased weight, a family history of diabetes and a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Additionally, some populations are at increased risk of diabetes, including Hispanics, Asians and Black Americans. 

Diabetes is usually diagnosed by a simple blood test called hemoglobin A1C, which shows your average blood sugar level over the previous three months. Early detection of diabetes can help control blood sugar and prevent or decrease complications from diabetes. Diabetes affects nearly every part of your body that receives blood, from your head to your toes (literally!). Some effects of diabetes include stroke, vision loss, heart disease, impaired digestion, kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, delayed healing of wounds, numbness and nerve pain. Some of these complications from diabetes can be permanent. 

What can I do?

Effectively managing your blood sugar levels can help to decrease urination. Your doctor can discuss lifestyle changes to keep you healthy, such as increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet consisting of lean meat, fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Try to avoid or decrease the consumption of processed foods, alcohol and sugary drinks. Caffeine is OK in moderation, but it’s best to avoid drinking anything that comes in a bottle or a can due to the sugar content. These changes will go a long way to lower blood sugar, prevent disease and help you feel your best.

Sometimes, medications are needed to control blood sugar in addition to lifestyle changes. It’s important to discuss a treatment plan with your doctor, especially if it is difficult to take your medications due to cost, side effects or medication availability. Controlling blood sugar will help prevent or delay long-term complications from diabetes.

While most people with diabetes have no symptoms, there are some worrisome symptoms of diabetes and elevated blood sugar. If you are experiencing symptoms such as, but not limited to:

• confusion
• sleepiness
• weakness
• seizures
• nausea or vomiting
• abdominal pain 
• shortness of breath

You should seek emergency care immediately as these may be signs of a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). These are very serious complications of diabetes caused by significantly elevated blood sugar.

Controlling blood sugar will help prevent complications of diabetes, and lower the risk of other diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. It’s important to see your doctor regularly for preventative care, age-appropriate health screenings and treatment.

Join Digital Medicine

The Ochsner Digital Medicine program can help manage your blood sugar and help you reach your health goals. By joining the program, you’ll enjoy the support of a team of professional health coaches and a licensed clinician. Your care team will encourage you to stay up to date with annual screenings, help manage your medications, monitor your blood sugar readings and provide lifestyle support. You’ll receive a digital glucometer that connects with your compatible smartphone or tablet. The program is designed to allow you to take care of yourself at home, limiting extra trips to the clinic.

The Digital Medicine program also manages high blood pressure and weight.

Keeping your blood sugar under control is an important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the things you love. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, enrollment is highly encouraged.