Which term describes the excessive thirst commonly associated with diabetes?

Which term describes the excessive thirst commonly associated with diabetes?

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Polyphagia
• C. Polydipsia
• D. Polyuria

Answer: (C)

Excessive thirst happens when dehydration signals the body's thirst centers. In diabetes, chronic high blood glucose spills into the urine (glucosuria). Water follows this glucose into the urine, increasing urination (osmotic diuresis). The fluid loss leads to dehydration, which triggers increased thirst, described by the term polydipsia. This term specifically captures the symptom of excessive thirst. The other terms refer to different symptoms: anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, polyphagia means increased hunger, and polyuria is excessive urination.

Excessive thirst happens when dehydration signals the body's thirst centers. In diabetes, chronic high blood glucose spills into the urine (glucosuria). Water follows this glucose into the urine, increasing urination (osmotic diuresis). The fluid loss leads to dehydration, which triggers increased thirst, described by the term polydipsia. This term specifically captures the symptom of excessive thirst. The other terms refer to different symptoms: anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, polyphagia means increased hunger, and polyuria is excessive urination.