Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Suffering with an unquenchable thirst is not just an annoyance – this is why it could be a warning sign of something more serious and why you should see a doctor.

A constant thirst is a sign to see your doctor. A constant thirst may be a sign of diabetes, according to Dr Evelyn Lewis.

Those who drink the recommended two litres of water a day, but still feel thirsty, should consider taking a blood glucose test, Dr Lewis said.

“It might be because you are bingeing on your favourite salty treat, or perhaps working out ultra-hard, but a mouth morphing into the Gobi might actually be your body sending hints of a health condition,” said Dr Lewis.

Polydipsia – the medical term for feeling thirsty – is an early symptom of Type 1 diabetes.

When blood sugar levels get too high, the body responds by feeling thirsty. Even though you may drink a lot of fluids, you still feel the need to drink more.

You may also urinate a lot, even though you haven’t had that much to drink.

Dr Lewis said: “When your blood sugar levels are too high, your body pressures your kidneys into producing more urine to get rid of the excess glucose, leading to excessive thirst and frequent peeing. Consider a blood glucose test to find out if you’re at risk.”

Drinking a lot but still feeling thirsty is a sign of diabetes. Other symptoms of polydipsia include a persistent feeling of dryness in your mouth, and exhaustion.

If the polydipsia is caused by diabetes, you may also suffer abnormal weight loss, feeling abnormally hungry and getting frequent sores or infections.

The condition may also be a sign of diabetes insipidous. Despite the name, diabetes insipidus isn’t linked to diabetes, but the symptoms are similar.

A glucose test will reveal whether a patient suffers from diabetes. It’s caused by problems with the antidiuretic hormone, who helps to regulate the amount of fluid in the body.

When the hormone isn’t produced as much as it should be, the kidney adds to much water to urine. Patients feel thirsty as the body tries to compensate for the amount of water being lost.

About one in 25,000 people are affected by diabetes insipidus, and adults are more likely to develop the condition. People should be aware signs and symptoms of diabetes are not always obvious and the condition is often diagnosed during GP check ups.

Socks: If you wear shoes without socks, you could be at risk of more than just smelly feet.

The College of Podiatry says there has been a rise in fungal infections in young men because of the sockless trend.

Podiatrist Emma Stephenson says she is seeing more 18-25 year-old men with problems associated with wearing shoes without socks and ill-fitting shoes.

The bare ankle look is popular with celebrities on the red carpet.

It is a common look on the catwalk and in fashion magazines with models wearing brogues and trainers without socks. “The average feet sweat about half a pint a day,” Emma Stephenson tells Newsbeat.

“Too much moisture and warmth can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.”

And according to Emma, the consequences can be pretty unpleasant. “One of the worst incidents I have seen is a 19 year-old man who worked in a car wash. He had very sweaty feet and trench foot.” Of course, it takes a brave person to tell someone like UFC champion Conor McGregor that he might have some fungal-based feet issues when he is off duty.

But if you still want to go with the naked foot and shoe look, here are three handy tips from Emma.

Everything in moderation. Try and minimise how long you wear shoes without socks. Spray some antiperspirant on the sole of your foot before you put your shoes on. Look out for any areas that start to become painful -and seek advice.

Published in Daily Times, October 13^th 2017.