Diabetes or Just Normal Thirst?
Question
Dr. Greene, my 2-year-old daughter drinks a lot during the day. It could be water, juice, milk, or whatever. I am concerned. Is this normal for kids to drink 5-8 bottles of liquid during the day? Or this is a sign of diabetes? Should I bring her in for a test? Are there any other signs I should be looking for?
I am really concerned.
Thank you.
Irina Eilen - The Gap
Dr. Greene's Answer
Irina, just last week on Monday morning, I picked up the top chart from my inbox and began walking to Exam Room 1 (the Safari Room). Before opening the door, I paused to open the chart and glance at the nurse’s notes. I was about to meet a 7-year-old boy whose mother had brought him in because he had been drinking much more than usual for about 2 weeks — especially over the preceding weekend. Could it be diabetes?
I stepped in the room and greeted the mother and son. They confirmed what had been written in the chart, adding that he had also been urinating much more than usual, and perhaps had lost some weight. As they spoke I could tell that the mom felt a little guilty about bringing him in unnecessarily, but at the same time she was worried that something might be seriously wrong. Parents often experience this dilemma. Whenever you are battling inside about whether to contact your doctor, do it.
The boy’s clothes were indeed loose fitting, but he otherwise appeared healthy. We did a simple urine test in the office, and two minutes later found that he had a huge amount of sugar and ketones in his urine. He had diabetes.
Even though the mom suspected the diagnosis, she was totally stunned. She couldn’t believe it was true. I sent them across the parking lot to the hospital lab for some bloodwork. His blood sugar level was 645 mg/dL! A fasting blood sugar over 126 mg/dL or a random blood sugar over 200 mg/dL is diagnostic of diabetes.
I admitted the surprised boy to the Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford for the whole family to learn a new way of life with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Now, Irina, I must reassure you that the first part of the above scenario is played out in my office about every two weeks. A child is brought in for nothing more than drinking or urinating more than usual. The weight and physical exam are normal, and I run a urine test. Thankfully, the test is almost always normal, and everyone can take a deep breath and relax.
About once a year, though, I diagnose someone with diabetes mellitus. The name comes from the Greek words for “to flow through” and “sweet.” The Greek physicians used to diagnose the condition by actually tasting the urine. (That’s dedication!).
Normally, a hormone called insulin pushes sugar from the blood into the body’s cells where it can be used for fuel. The concentration of sugar in the blood remains within a fairly narrow range. If the body stops making insulin (type 1 diabetes), then adequate sugar doesn’t get into the cells. Until June 23, 1997, type 1 diabetes was also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
Actually, all of us are insulin dependent; it’s just that some of us stop producing our own. Without insulin, muscle and fat begin to be burned for fuel (evidence of this — ketones — shows up in the urine). The person feels hungry all the time, but loses weight in spite of increased eating. Without replacement insulin, the person would eventually starve to death. Meanwhile, the concentration of sugar in the blood begins to increase. When the level reaches 180 mg/dL, the sugar begins to spill over into the urine. This causes the person to make more urine and then to get thirstier, creating an accelerating cycle.
What are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
The classic symptoms of type 1diabetes are:
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Increased eating (polyphagia
- Weight loss
Occasionally people also report:
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent skin infections
If the disease remains undiagnosed, symptoms progress to include:
- Labored breathing
- Coma
- Death
Anyone with the classic symptoms should have a blood sugar test as well as a urine test.
Why Do Individuals Get Type 1 Diabetes?
People who get type 1 diabetes were born with a genetic predisposition to it. Not everyone born with this predisposition gets diabetes, however. In fact, if an identical twin has diabetes, the other twin gets it only about half the time. Along the way, some of the predisposed individuals are exposed to something in the environment that triggers the diabetes. This is usually a viral infection. The virus misleads the body’s immune system into making antibodies against its own pancreas cells that make insulin. (This is why type 1 diabetes is now also called immune-mediated diabetes).
The insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are gradually destroyed over time. When 90% of them have been destroyed, the person suddenly begins to develop symptoms. Thus, insulin-dependent diabetes generally brews for years, but appears abruptly. It rarely goes undiagnosed for more than a few weeks.
Immune-mediated or type 1 diabetes most often strikes young people, especially between the ages of 5 and 7 (when viruses run through the schools), or at the time of puberty (when so many hormones change). For this reason, it used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes. This term has now been eliminated, since we now know that it can appear at any age. About 0.1-0.2% of the general public (or 1-2 out of 1000) has type 1 diabetes. About 500,000 people in the United States now have type 1 diabetes. About 30,000 people develop it each year, and their lives will never be the same.
Type 2 diabetes is caused, not by the absence of insulin, but by insulin’s not working properly. It is much more frequent in overweight individuals. There are often no symptoms. Thus, it is often picked up on routine screening tests.
So, Irina, given your concern about your daughter, I would recommend bringing her in. Since her hefty thirst appears to be her normal pattern rather than a recent increase, I expect you will be happy with the results.
Support for Families with Type 1 Diabetes
In the unlikely event that you are not, I strongly recommend a website called children with DIABETES. Anyone who has type 1 diabetes, or anyone who has a child with type 1 diabetes, will be hooked on this site. It is loaded with excellent information and has real-time chat rooms. They call themselves “The on-line community for kids, families and adults with type 1 diabetes,” and they live up to their claim!
Alan Greene MD
Our goal is to improve children's health by inspiring parents to become knowledgable partners who can work with their children's physicians in new and rich ways.
Recent Comments
Hello my son is 2.5 years old. He is drinking arround 6-7 sports bottle in a day time and always need have something to dring at night. Always wet neppies. Wet him self at night even two tree times have to change him. He is not eating much but his weight is fine. He is not asking about sweets or food that often. Is it something o need to worry?
My 2+ old son has been drinking quite a lot of water and peeing almost every hour. He is not eating like before but he’s playing normally. The situation started just two days ago after taking some drugs for infection and cough/cold – Ziva Dry Syrup and Bromex containing cefuroxime and Bromhexine.
I NEED your guidance please.
Dear Dr,nameste
Sir my son is 2month old,some problems when he born,not crying and he admit on 25 days in nice,now stage doctor said not grow in baby’s head,he don’t eat mother’s milk,and repeatedly he want to baby food it’s a problem,plz do something,
Tushar
India
my son is 11mths. he drinks a lot of water, poor appetite, vomiting and looks weak. what may be the cause, Dr.?
My grandson drinks a lot pee a lot he his two years old dose he need to go to the doctors
Elizabeth,
I can certainly understand your concern. Dr. Greene points out that this is usually fine, but “The classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes are increased urination (polyuria), increased thirst (polydipsia), increased eating (polyphagia) and weight loss. Anyone with the classic symptoms should have a blood sugar test as well as a urine test.”
Additionally he says, “Type 1 diabetes most often strikes young people, especially between the ages of 5 and 7 (when viruses run through the schools), or at the time of puberty (when so many hormones change). For this reason, it used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes. This term has now been eliminated, since we now know that it can appear at any age.”
The test for type 1 diabetes is simple and fast. If this were my grandson, I’d schedule an appointment with a pediatrician (preferably his own pediatrician) and ask for the test.
I hope that helps.
Best, @MsGreene
Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
My son is four year old and he is drinking more water and also demands for eating food and other things. Please tells us the symptom of this
Hi
My 20 months old daughter drinks alot of water in a day almost two or two n half litres water .. and whee so much .. she feels hungry again n again .. her weight is gaining as normal her growth is normal ..
Plz guide me is all above things r normal with her or I should worried about her
Sonia,
Without weight loss, it’s less likely to be something abnormal, but your daughter’s pediatrician will likely want to run a simple urine test just to be sure.
Best, @MsGreene
Note: I answer a lot of questions on DrGreene.com, I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, Dr. Greene’s business partner and wife, but I am not Dr. Greene, nor am I a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
Hi I have a 7 year old daughter she’s always whinnying she’s thirsty and can’t ever get enough she’s very skinny but has always been it started maybe a year again I kept saying maybe it will pass or maybe she’s just over thirsty but now she’s been having pains in her chest I’m worried more now so making. Apt but just wondering if it is diabetes
Did u find out what it is
and im 40 iam not able to gain weight too .is this because of drinking plenty of water ? just want to knw ??
hii,iam 20 years old .i drink so much water every day to keep myself hydrated , yet i feel so thirsty i also feel tired and drying of mouth .
can u tell me is it normal or any issues im worried waiting for ur reply thank you :)
Ayesha,
If I were you, I would have a fasting blood sugar test run just to be on the safe side. Your doctor can order that test for you.
Best,
@MsGreene
Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom
Note: Not Dr. Greene, not a doctor. Keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
My son is 7yrs old. He’s overweight and now he want water during the night, but once. Is it normal?
Hi Nandipa,
As a mom, if you suspect something is off with your child or you fear there is a health issue, it’s good to take him to see a doctor.
As for these symptoms, Dr. Greene says, “The classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes, then, are increased urination (polyuria), increased thirst (polydipsia), increased eating (polyphagia) and weight loss. Anyone with the classic symptoms should have a blood sugar test as well as a urine test.”
Best, @MsGreene
Co-founder & Executive Producer DrGreene.com, Mom
Note: I answer a lot of questions on DrGreene.com, I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, Dr. Greene’s business partner, but I am a not doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.
My 14 year old boy has ub normal thirsty and urination and lack of memmory is it symptoms of Diabatics ??? And i am 38 me also diabatic since the last 4 years som one can help me ?
Dr Greene my 5 yr od son wakes up in the morning really thirsty but he wants some sweet drink and he wakes up stating his stomach hurts what can I do to help?
Martha,
Kids don’t need sweet drinks, in fact sweet drinks should not be a normal part of a child’s diet. Water is good for kids, and if they have trouble with the taste try putting in a hint of flavor, such as a single strawberry or an orange slice in a full glass of water.
Do you know if your 4 year old is constipated? That would be one reason why he might wake up with his stomach hurting.
If he isn’t constipated, continues to be overly thirsty, and asks for sweet things, discuss it with your child’s doctor. Let him or her know about your diabetes concerns.
Best,
@MsGreene
My son is 4yrs old and lately drinks a lot of water. He pees normally. Anything wrong with this?
Our 2.5 year old foster son has been with us 6mths, he is always thirsty drinks a ton! always hungry. Sweats with even minimal activity and wets tons and frequently. I have read that these are signs of diabetes 1. But he also is gaining weight fine so I am not sure. I have an appointment next month with the Dr. But was just curious. Can a kiddo have diabetes and not be losing weight?
Hi Melissa,
Yes, it is possible. Other symptoms come before the weight loss.
It would be nice to have him checked now. If it turns out to be diabetes you really want to know. If it’s not, you will be able to rest easy for the next month.
Best,
@MsGreene
My 8 year old Autistic son has been having these “episodes” every 2 weeks (Since 16 April 2016 to date.) Every episode lasts about a week.
The following symptoms have been noted:
Constant crying
Blurred vision;
Constant thirst;
Loss or excessive eating habits;
Poor sleeping patterns,if not no sleep for days on end;
Excessive urination;
Extremely heavy breathing with deep throat irritation
Fatigue.
We had him tested for Insipidus diabetes & the results were clear. he has had a endoscope/gastroscope & it all came back clear. We suspect it has something to do with his tummy(but because he does not speak we are unable to confirm this.
Did they examine his urinary tract and kidneys?
Just trying to see if this normal, my almost 3 year old has been on and off drinking alot of water I tho I should get her test to see if she may be diabetic, but then she stop for a week But then she now at night she been wanting to drink more and more and when she is with me and not in daycare is wants water or tea tho out the day should I get her tested or should I just be over thinking things.
Kim,
When a mom is questioning something like this, it’s not out of line to request a test. If it comes back as normal, everything is fine. If it shows a problem, you’ve likely caught it early when it’s easiest to treat.
Best,
@MsGreene
My 8yr old son is t1 diabetic he is drinking lots of water and peeing lots his blood reading was off the scale over 33 though I’ve got it back down to 12 but I’m worried he’s drinking and peeing a lot can someone give me a bit of advice
Is it commen for teenage boys to always be thirsty as in after one cup he pours another?
hi my 2 yr old drinks 7-8 bottles a day mainly water doesn’t wee much but has weight loss and graizes all day his sugar finger prick test was 7.7 with ketones in urine ++ should we be worried he aslo has been displaying vagueness and slurred speech and different times of day concerned hes very tiny for age
Slurred speech and vagueness in a toddler is never anything to mess around with. Have your child looked at as soon as possible.
Hello. My daughter since about 6 months old (shes now 1) drinks a lot during the day possibly about 10-15 drinks. Then wakes up at 4am for a drink but it’s not attention cause we literally give her ,her beaker and leave the room and she goes straight back to sleep. She’s weeing so much sometimes leaks through her nappy some times her appetite is great sometimes it’s rubbish.. what does this sound like? Very worried mummy. Please reply soon. Thankyou.
I have an eleven year old daughter called Kacey, and she’s been thirsty all day since the morning. Just today. She doesn’t have any weakness, nausea or frequent urination. Is it part of puberty?
Dear Dr.Greene
My mother was rushed to the hospital last nite because she was complaining of a bad headache, blurred vision and confusion. She didn’t even know who I was at one point.
After taking her we later found out she had a concussion. They found a lot of fluid in her brain and she had to have a spinal tap done.
My stepfather then noticed that her breath had a strong citrus smell. I’m very concerned that something deeper might be wrong. I guess my question is, what do you think would cause that? I’m worried about diabetes…she’s my best friend and I’m really afraid…..I don’t wanna lose her. I can’t. Please reply.
Thank you so much for your time and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Danielle Tibbs
Dr. Greene
Thank you so much for this valuable information. I am a Nutritionist and I am doing my nutrition practice in Pune, India. I come across a lots of different patients with variety of diagnosis and with my study I treat them with the help of nutrition.
Your write-up is a blessing for man-kind.
Thank you !!!
My sister’ s little 2 year old girl always wants something to drink at night time an then want to go pee, if she doesn’t get somthing to drink she will start to scream and cry is this normal for a 2 year old or must we be worried? ? Please answer
Hi,
I recently noticed my almost 2 year old daughter drinking a lot more fluids lately. She drinks at least 7 cups full of anything. My aunt noticed it the other day and wanted me to get her looked at to see if she has diabetes. Diabetes runs in my family, my dad and brother have them.
Thank you.
Use your mother’s instinct. If you think this is out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to get your daughter checked out. It may be nothing and that would be great news. But if it is something, the sooner you find out the better.
Dr. Greene.
I am 17 years old. Over the past few months, I have been drinking a lot of water — 9-10 litres a day. I don’t feel thirsty or anything. I just like to drink. Even when I am simply sitting I would take a bottle in hand and keep drinking water. And most importantly I like the taste of water though it is said that water has no taste. I am worried. I mean is this even normal. I would be really glad if you could tell me something regarding this.
i noticed that my two year old daughter started drinking a lot of water than usual and she does not pee frequently is this normal or should I be worried?
My daughter is a severe asthmatic she lives on steriods and antibiotics on a regular basis and spends a lot of time in and out of hospital, she also has central aponea and recently sugar was found in her urine along with signs of an infection …. Can the sugar found just be a one off episode or is it something to worry about ???
Is it normal for a 1 year old to not pee a lot? She drinks a lot of water and she breastfed a lot. Even that’s the case she doesn’t pee that much.