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What are the Causes of Thirst with Frequent Urination?

Susan Grindstaff
Susan Grindstaff

The most common cause of thirst with frequent urination is diabetes, and these symptoms are typically found in both type 1 and type 2. Other conditions that sometimes lead to this symptom are liver disease, pregnancy, and some kidney disorders. They can also be caused by certain types of medication and lifestyle. Research seems to show that most conditions that lead to excess urination generally result in thirst, and conversely, drinking a lot of liquid leads to frequent urination.

People with diabetes often experience severe thirst with frequent urination. One function of the kidneys is to metabolize sugar so the body can use it as energy. Those suffering from diabetes produce more sugar than their kidneys can process. The sugar that has not been metabolized is instead deposited in the urinary tract, creating excess urine. Frequent urination typically leads to thirst, which only adds to the need to urinate.

Thirst and frequent urination could be symptoms of diabetes.
Thirst and frequent urination could be symptoms of diabetes.

Kidney disorders that lead to these symptoms are generally related to the kidneys' inability to metabolize nutrients. Just as in the case of diabetes, these nutrients are turned into urine, which results in more frequent urination and thirst. Some kidney disorders that could lead to this condition are atherosclerosis, urinary tract infection, and kidney infection.

Diabetes is a common cause of frequent urination.
Diabetes is a common cause of frequent urination.

Thirst with frequent urination can also be caused by a disorder called Falconi’s syndrome, a condition involving the malfunction of the tubes that lead to the kidneys. In this condition, excess salts, sugars, and potassium are produced and deposited directly into the urine, causing frequent urination. The cause of this disease is unclear, but it is believed to be genetic and typically becomes symptomatic in infancy.

Once diabetes is under control with medication or insulin, the thirst and frequent urination should resolve on its own.
Once diabetes is under control with medication or insulin, the thirst and frequent urination should resolve on its own.

In some cases, these symptoms are caused by normal conditions, such as pregnancy, overexertion, or heat exposure. Overexertion in exercise or work can sometimes cause thirst. In addition, becoming too hot or too cold can sometimes trigger the need to consume liquids. This is considered normal and is generally no cause for alarm. Women who are pregnant generally urinate frequently, because of added pressure on the urinary tract.

Dehydration occurs when fluid leaves the body but is not replaced. Human bodies are thought to be about 75% water, so the need to keep hydrated is critical to normal body function. Dehydration causes extreme thirst because the body needs to replace the fluids it has lost. This thirst naturally leads to excessive urination. Only when the fluid coming in exceeds the fluid going out will this condition stabilize.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

I had excessive thirst and frequent urination when I had cystitis. I had to go to the bathroom frequently and I also had a burning feeling while urinating. This made me drink more water than usual.

literally45

@donasmrs-- Have you spoken to your doctor about this?

I have diabetes too and I too suffer from thirst and frequent urination. But these symptoms have definitely decreased in intensity since I started getting treatment.

I think thirst and frequent urination is a bigger problem with untreated diabetes because sugar is being removed from the body through urine. This doesn't occur if diabetes is being treated because without enough insulin, sugar from the blood is metabolized and used by the body.

You ought to have another check up if your symptoms are bothersome. Have you had an A1C three month diabetes blood sugar test lately? That's a good way to see if your diabetes is under control or not. You need to get it done once every three months to make sure you're on track with treatment.

donasmrs

I know that thirst and frequent urination are symptoms of diabetes. But do these still occur when someone's diabetes is under control?

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year. I have been taking medications and following a diet since then to keep my blood sugar under control. But I still drink a lot of water and urinate often. Is this normal?

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    • Thirst and frequent urination could be symptoms of diabetes.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Thirst and frequent urination could be symptoms of diabetes.
    • Diabetes is a common cause of frequent urination.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Diabetes is a common cause of frequent urination.
    • Once diabetes is under control with medication or insulin, the thirst and frequent urination should resolve on its own.
      By: hilleborg
      Once diabetes is under control with medication or insulin, the thirst and frequent urination should resolve on its own.