Type 2 diabetes symptoms: Drinking this much water a day could indicate the condition

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, which regulates how the body uses and stores glucose and fat. It helps the body’s cells takes glucose from the blood which it then turns into energy.

A common condition in the UK, this type of diabetes is often caused by a person being overweight or obese.

Many people with type 2 diabetes don’t realise they have it because symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell. But if it’s left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.

One warning sign to watch out for is drinking a lot of water, but how much is a lot of water?

People with type 2 diabetes may develop polydipsia, which is the term given to excessive thirst.

“Increased thirst in people with diabetes can sometimes be, but certainly not always, an indication of higher than normal blood glucose levels,” explains Diabetes.co.uk.

Health guidelines recommend drinking six to eight glasses of fluid a day.

Water, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.

But if you feel thirsty all the time or your thirst is stronger than usual and continues even after you drink, it can be a sign that not all is well inside your body.

Distinguishing symptoms of polydipsia are recognised as having persistent and unexplained thirst, regardless of how much you drink.

Passing more than five litres of urine a day can also be an indicator of polydipsia.

Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes, according to the NHS, can include:

  • Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
  • Losing weight without trying to
  • Feeling very tired
  • Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
  • Cut or wounds taking longer to heal
  • Blurred vision

Those diagnosed with the condition, plus those looking to prevent it, are advised to make simple changes to their diet, such as counting the amount of carbohydrates they eat.

There are five other rules to remember for those looking to control their blood sugar level, which involve cutting down on certain foods.

These are:

  • Cut down on sugar
  • Cut down on processed meat
  • Cut down on energy dense, processed food – such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and pastries
  • Cut down on alcohol
  • Cut down on salty processed foods

Other recommendations include eating plenty of vegetables, having sufficient fibre in your diet, and eating fish regularly.

A healthy diet will help control blood sugar levels, and a recent study revealed a certain drink for breakfast can be beneficial.