Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

5/9/05

Q:
I am 15 and I have been very thristy lately. I drink more than 4 or 5 water bottles a day, and then I have to go to the bathroom a lot. Do I have diabetes? Or do I just have to go to the bathroom a lot because I have been drinking a lot of water? How can you tell?

A:
Are you losing weight rapidly? Are you very hungry? Diabetes is not the only condition for sudden thirst. Dietary changes or any use of recreational drugs and alcohol can also cause thirst. If this persists after you have reviewed your own lifestyle habits, you need to see your physician. If you have any other symptoms, go now.