Diabetes & Nocturia

Diabetes and nighttime urination, or nocturia, can be a sign of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. This Diabetes.co.uk guide explains the basics of recognizing nocturia, and how to avoid it.

What is nocturia?

Nocturia is defined as nocturnal urination. This means the need to get up in the night to go to the toilet. This is extremely common amongst older men, but older women may also suffer from the same problem. An enlarged prostrate can press on the urethra and prevent the bladder from emptying properly, resulting in the need to visit the toilet more often.

So is this the only cause of nocturia?

No, nocturia can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, swollen legs can cause nocturia. Some diuretic medication causes frequent urination. For some people, a different metabolism can cause nocturnal urination. Cystitis may cause the bladder to become irritated or unstable.

The most relevant cause of nocturia is uncontrolled diabetes. In this instance, more sugar appears in the urine and simulates extra volumes of urine to be produces.

I am diabetic; can I fight nocturia?

Be aware of the problem and take precaution such as using diuretic medicines earlier in the day, avoid drinking late at night, and remember how much and when you drink. This helps you to know when the nocturia is worse, and therefore how to avoid it.

Why do I have to go to the toilet during the night?

Nocturia - having to get up during the night to go to the toilet - is more likely to occur as people get older.

The problem is extremely common among older men because it can be caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). The prostate presses on the tube called the urethra and prevents the bladder from emptying completely - hence the need for more frequent trips to the toilet.

However, recent studies have shown that many older women also suffer from the same problem.

Other causes of nocturia

Swollen legs associated with a heart condition.

Taking a diuretic medicine that causes more urination.

Having a different 'body clock', which causes a normal daytime urination pattern to occur at night.

If the bladder is unstable or irritated as a result of cystitis.

Diabetes, if it is not controlled. This leads to sugar appearing in the urine, which stimulates extra urine to be produced.