Does Diabetes Cause Frequent Urination?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Yes, diabetes causes frequent urination through a process called polyuria. When blood glucose levels exceed 180-200 mg/dL, the kidneys cannot reabsorb all the excess sugar, forcing it to spill into urine. This creates an osmotic effect that pulls water from the body, leading to increased urine production. People with uncontrolled diabetes may urinate every 1-2 hours, producing 3-20 liters of urine daily compared to the normal 1-2 liters. This symptom often appears alongside excessive thirst as the body attempts to replace lost fluids. Frequent urination typically improves once blood sugar levels are properly managed through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
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