Which is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus?

Increased thirst, or polydipsia, is a hallmark symptom of diabetes mellitus due to the body's response to elevated blood glucose levels. When blood sugar levels rise significantly, glucose spills over into the urine, pulling water with it and leading to excessive urination, or polyuria. As a result, the body becomes dehydrated, prompting the individual to experience increased thirst as a compensatory mechanism to maintain fluid balance. This symptom is particularly common in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and can occur alongside other symptoms such as increased hunger and frequent urination during the day and night.

The mechanism behind polydipsia is directly tied to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood sugar levels, which underscores its relevance as a major indicator of the condition. Recognizing increased thirst as a symptom can lead to earlier detection and treatment of diabetes, emphasizing its significance in clinical practice.