The doctor called constant thirst and dry mouth signs of diabetes

Constant thirst and dry mouth are classic "red flags" that signal the possible onset or decompensation of diabetes mellitus. They are often attributed to heat or stress, but this may be the first signal of the development of the disease. Nikita Guryanov, an expert doctor at the LabQuest medical company, told Izvestia about this on September 19.

According to him, the cause of these symptoms lies in hyperglycemia, a condition in which blood glucose levels exceed normal levels.

Normally, the glucose content should not exceed 6.0 mmol / l. If the value is exceeded by about 10 mmol / l (the so-called renal threshold), the body tries to get rid of excess glucose and begins to excrete it in the urine. Glucose is an osmotically active substance, it, like a sponge, "pulls" water with it, which leads to profuse urination. By removing excess glucose, the body also loses fluid, resulting in dehydration," the expert said.

Guryanov said that dry mouth is a direct result of a lack of fluid in the body. The mucous membranes dry out, which is especially noticeable at night and in the morning. However, the specialist cautioned that thirst and dryness do not always indicate the presence of diabetes. Sometimes the causes can be much simpler: lack of water, heat, or the effect of medications on the salivary glands.

"The key difference between the diabetic cause is a persistent increase in blood glucose levels, which is easily confirmed by laboratory analysis. To understand if there is a risk of developing diabetes, you need to take an analysis for fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin," the doctor said.

He clarified that the glycated hemoglobin indicator reflects the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months and helps to identify prediabetes or an already developed disease.

At the fat level: scientists have found available "controllers" of appetite and blood sugar

Can the new compounds become a safer and more affordable alternative to Ozempic and its analogues?

On September 3, general practitioner Nadezhda Chernyshova gave recommendations on the prevention of type 2 diabetes. She called for periodic blood donation for sugar and glucose, and in case of an increase, to be examined further. The doctor also noted that sports training, activity and proper nutrition will help in prevention.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.