Type 2 diabetes: The amount of times you pee can be a tell-tale sign of the disease

Diabetes is a chronic condition that signals a dangerous increase in blood sugar levels. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes was the ninth leading cause of death in 2019, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths directly caused by diabetes.

According to the health organization, there are different types of chronic diabetes conditions including type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin.

Also read: Diabetes reversal: Cut down rice, wheat consumption and increase protein intake to reverse diabetes, says ICMR study

One of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes is frequent urination. As per the Mayo Clinic, in the case of diabetic patients, excess glucose builds up the blood, which is why the kidneys are forced to push themselves to filter and absorb the excess glucose.

But when your kidneys can't keep up, the excess glucose is then excreted into your urine, bringing along fluids from your tissues, which makes you dehydrated. When patients drink more water, it leads to constant bathroom visits.

Also read: Vitamin B12 deficiency: Warning sign that may show up when you wake up in the morning

In a span of 24 hours, a healthy person is likely to urinate about six to eight times, considering they drink two liters of fluids a day. Peeing between 4 and 10 times daily is also considered healthy, given that it does not interfere with your day to day activities.

That said, if you're visiting the bathroom more often than that, it could either mean that you're drinking too much water, coffee or tea, or something more serious.

Urinating more than 7-10 times a day could be a sign of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

According to the UK's National Health Services (NHS), the amount of urine can range from 3 litres in mild cases to up to 20 litres per day in severe cases of diabetes.

In addition, it is likely to make one feel thirsty all the time and may cause the person to have a "dry" feeling in the mouth, no matter how much water they drink, says the health body.

However, it is important to note that frequent urination does not necessarily mean diabetes. Those with high blood pressure or unrelated kidney or bladder issues may also pee more.

Doctor Preethi Daniel, Clinical Director at London Doctors Clinic told Patient.info, "Peeing lots does not automatically mean a disease, so there is no need to be anxious if you feel otherwise well."

“Most conditions can be easily picked up by just speaking to your GP who will organise further tests and treatment," she recommends.

As discussed, experiencing frequent urination and increased thirst are extremely common when it comes to diabetes. However, these can also be linked to other illnesses. That said, you can always make a note of any other symptoms that signal the chronic condition. These include:

- Dry mouth

- Extreme fatigue and tiredness

- Blurred vision

- Unintentional/unexplained weight loss

- Changes in sleeping and eating pattern

- Fruity-smelling breath

The best way to confirm your condition is by getting yourself tested for diabetes.

Your doctor can diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes using blood tests, which show if your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal range. The blood test can also tell you which type of diabetes you have.

Some of the blood tests that you can get are A1C test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, fasting blood test that measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast, random blood sugar test that measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested among others.

Anyone can get diabetes, but there are ways to reduce your risk.

It all starts for healthy lifestyle changes. Eat healthy, nutritious foods and limit your intake of oily, processed and sugary foods. Maintain a healthy weight by being physically active and do not adhere to unhealthy habits including smoking and alcohol consumption.

Most importantly, get regular health check-ups to stay on top of everything in terms of your health.