Urinary changes, specifically urinary frequency, is one symptom of an elevated serum glucose level. Increased urination may be the first sign of hyperglycemia resulting from undiagnosed diabetes. Or, if you have diabetes, increased urination is an indication that, for some reason, a high blood sugar level is present despite interventions for management of the disease.
Diabetes
Your pancreas creates the hormone insulin, which is a critical component of your body's metabolism of glucose for energy. If your pancreas stops making insulin, or if it produces insufficient amounts of the hormone, impairment of glucose metabolism occurs. Hyperglycemia results, which is diagnostic of diabetes. There are three types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, all of which result in your body's inability to regulate its own serum glucose levels. This requires blood-sugar regulation using interventions such as medication, lifestyle modifications and the use of insulin to prevent the dangerous complications associated with hyperglycemia.
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
In addition to increased urination, other early symptoms of hyperglycemia resulting from diabetes include headache, fatigue, increased thirst and blurred vision. If left unchecked, symptoms of elevated serum glucose progress to weakness, dry mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and shortness of breath. Your breath may begin to smell fruity, and a buildup of toxic acids called ketones occurs in your urine and bloodstream. You may become confused, and without intervention, your risk for diabetic coma increases. These symptoms, especially in combination with a persistently high serum glucose level, warrant emergency medical treatment.
Causes
If you have diabetes, regulation of blood sugar levels requires frequent monitoring throughout the day. Despite diligent monitoring and intervention, however, there are many factors that can negatively influence glucose levels. These factors include inappropriate dietary choices, an insufficient amount of insulin or oral diabetic agent and using insulin that has expired. If you are ill or have an infection, glucose control may become compromised. The same is true if you become injured or if you have had a recent surgery. More frequent blood-sugar monitoring and intervention is likely necessary until you recover fully. Inactivity, and the use of certain medications, are also factors that complicate maintenance of a healthy blood glucose level.
Urinary Frequency and Dehydration
During times of hyperglycemia resulting in increased urination, dehydration is a likely complication. Interventions to resolve dehydration are important, as the physical stress of dehydration can further impair blood glucose control. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, dry mouth and sunken eyes. You may also experience confusion, dizziness and lightheadedness. Additional manifestations of dehydration are a fast heartbeat, low blood pressure and dry eyes. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they coincide with an episode of hyperglycemia.
