The more water I drink the thirstier I feel.

[Anonymous]

Is this the normal physiological response? Or is this an
indicator/symptom of type 2 diabetes?

I have been making a conscious effort to increase my water intake. We
all know about the 8 glasses of water a day suggestion. I drink a
water bottle, 20 oz in 30 minutes. I have another 20 oz before the
hour is up. This is in an office setting so I am not doing anything
but sitting and working at a computer terminal, i.e.., no physical
exertion. I start this cycle were I use the restroom and drink more
water. But I find the more water I drink the thirstier I feel.

This does not happen if I drink a caffeine based drink or soda, it only
happens with plain water. It's not intuitive to me why I am thirstier
the more water I drink.

It was explained to me that excessive thirst and frequent urination can
be a sign of type 2 diabetes. The thirst response is because of the
increased blood sugar levels. The cells are trying to dilute the blood
sugars and they dehydrate promoting the feeling of thirst. It's simple
osmosis. Water is moving from inside the cells to the bloodstream.

I've been to the doctor regularly and had my blood tests. They didn't
say anything about any high blood sugar levels in my visit.

Could the thirst response from increased water consumption be due to
cells flushing pollutants and requiring/requesting more water? Is the
way it is supposed to work?

I've read responses from many on the web that have noticed the same
effect from water consumption. But I haven't been able to identify any
reliable sources on this subject.

[Doug Freyburger]

Anonymous wrote:
> Is this the normal physiological response? Or is this an
> indicator/symptom of type 2 diabetes?
>
> ... I start this cycle were I use the restroom and drink more
> water. But I find the more water I drink the thirstier I feel.

It's quite common so calling it normal makes some sort
of sense. Not to worry, it does not go on forever until
you drink so much you explode. At some point folks stop
getting more thristy.

> This does not happen if I drink a caffeine based drink or soda, it only
> happens with plain water. It's not intuitive to me why I am thirstier
> the more water I drink.

Not intuitive, agreed. Yet it happens to enough people
that it makes sense to call it normal.

> Could the thirst response from increased water consumption be due to
> cells flushing pollutants and requiring/requesting more water? Is the
> way it is supposed to work?
>
> I've read responses from many on the web that have noticed the same
> effect from water consumption. But I haven't been able to identify any
> reliable sources on this subject.

Check. It's common but no one has a really sound
explanation of why. The flush theory sounds great but it
lacks a good experimental or theoretical basis.

[Doug Skrecky]

Anonymous > wrote:
> Is this the normal physiological response? Or is this an
> indicator/symptom of type 2 diabetes?
>
Sodium deficiency can account for your symptoms.