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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Question about drinking

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Binghamton, NY

So I've been really thirsty today. What can I do to make the thirst go away. Any ideas. I've drank about 15 bottles of water today. What can I do to make it stop.

September 24 (edited)
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A DiabetesTeam Member

As @A DiabetesTeam Member notes, the "most common" cause of "unrelenting thirst" in diabetics is very high blood sugar

The kidneys do try to flush some of the excess (do barely a mediocre job so it's not very effective as a chronic management tool) but to do their job they need "fluids"

The more water you drink, the more sugar they can flush

So IF high sugar is the cause the answer is simple - control the blood sugar better either with meds or restricting carb intake or both

If the thirst is caused by "something else" it needs to be found and managed - but a stick test to see what your sugar levels are is the place to start and if it's high, keep drinking the water...

September 25
A DiabetesTeam Member

Lots of ice cold water

September 25
A DiabetesTeam Member

That's a side effect of high blood sugars, unfortunately. When mine was averaging 400 daily I was extremely thirsty and I drunk lots of water too. My doctor also advised to drink Gatorade zero. Drinking alot of water makes you urinate more which can lead to dehydration. That is how your body gets rid of extra sugars. Through urination.

September 25
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member I add lemon juice and sugar substitute to my water.

September 24
DiabetesTeam

Feeling extra thirsty is actually a common experience for people managing diabetes, so you're not alone! The good news is there are some simple things that can help.

Plain water is the best place to start. Aim for around 6.5 cups daily if you're a woman, or about 8 cups if you're a man. If plain water feels boring, here are Show Full Answer

Feeling extra thirsty is actually a common experience for people managing diabetes, so you're not alone! The good news is there are some simple things that can help.

Plain water is the best place to start. Aim for around 6.5 cups daily if you're a woman, or about 8 cups if you're a man. If plain water feels boring, here are some ways to make it more enjoyable:

- Add fresh fruit slices like lemon, strawberry, or grapefruit
- Try cucumber or mint for a refreshing twist
- Drink sparkling water or seltzer for a different texture
- Use sugar-free flavor packets (zero calories and adds taste!)
- Snack on water-rich foods like celery, watermelon, or strawberries It's also worth watching out for signs of dehydration, which can sneak up on people with diabetes. These include:

- Dry mouth or lips
- Headaches
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Dark-colored urine
- Muscle cramps

Try to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks as they can actually make dehydration worse. If your thirst and symptoms don't improve after drinking water, it's a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider, as persistent thirst can sometimes signal that blood sugar levels need attention.

September 24

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