Extreme Thirst

[tmcgartland]

My father is insulin dependent and a few years had two toes removed through diabetes and lack of circulation in the lower limbs. After several months of sickness he has shown great improvement and is now very stable and in very good health. The daily doses of insulin keep his blood sugar regulated. He is 75yrs old and in great form. Recently I noticed he is licking his lips, very dry on the tongue and always trying to gather a spittle. He says its been like that since he was put on a potassium free diet some months ago. Is there a remedy for this extreme thirst as I think it is very uncomfortable.

[DeusXM]

How regulated is his blood sugar? If he's frequently running over 10mmol/l (180mg/dl) then it may be that his body is flushing out the excess, causing dehydration.

If however his BG is fine then I'm not sure what might be causing it. He may want to increase his water intake - perhaps his change in diet means he doesn't get enough water from his food anymore.

[tmcgartland]

At 46years of age I lead quick an energetic lifestyle as I cycle quite a lot sometimes doing 30 - 70mile rides at reasonable fast pace with our local club. I have experienced very rapid dizziness and hunger in the evenings around 4pm and when it is bad I sweat and shake and have to eat something quick or take a sugary drink. It hasn't happened for several weeks now but I hear my father talking about similar symptoms and he is a diabetic. I am quite possible a hypocondriac or hypogleacemic. How can I find out - I am a coward when it comes to pin pricks and needles!

[DeusXM]

Probably a case of hypoglycaemia - it can happen quite easily to non-diabetics too, especially if your diet is low in carbohydrates.

Unfortunately for you, the only way to find out if your blood sugar is low is to get some of your blood from out of in you and into a monitor. If it's any consolation, modern testing equipment requires tiny amounts of blood and the lancet devices can be pain-free.

I wouldn't worry about it though. Hypoglycaemia after a lot of exercise doesn't particularly mean anything, other than your body simply isn't getting enough energy.