Do I Have Diabetes Symptoms? Urine Bubbles and Health Concerns

Do I have symptoms of diabetes?

Dear Doctor: I am a sophomore in college, and for the past three to four years, I have noticed that my urine often has bubbles, sometimes covering a large area in the toilet, and occasionally it is completely bubbly.
This usually happens more in the morning or after waking up.
My health check-ups have shown no abnormalities, and I am unsure if this is considered normal.
My general health status is as follows: I can run 1500 meters in about 6 minutes and 45 seconds, do 30 push-ups at 80% effort, and 50 push-ups at full effort.
I can perform 45 sit-ups in one minute.
Since my senior year of high school, I have been going to bed around 1 or 2 AM and waking up at 7 AM, which has resulted in dark circles under my eyes.
I have had nasal allergies since childhood.
My uncle (my grandfather's younger brother) has diabetes, but it is well-controlled.
When sitting down, my stomach protrudes slightly, but it is not very noticeable.
I am 175.8 cm tall and weigh between 72 and 76 kg.
If I eat more at night, my weight can increase to around 75 kg after one to two weeks, but if I pay attention to my diet, I can lose the weight back to about 72 kg within a month, and I do not intentionally try to lose weight.

Additionally, I would like to ask about the color of my lips, which are often a light purple.
Sometimes, when wet, they turn pink, and after eating, they become redder for a while, but they never get very red.
Is this related to the color of my face, which is darker? I have noticed that in Western films, Black characters often have purple lips, while those with lighter skin tend to have very bright red lips.
What is the relationship between lip color and health? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

kuno, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/06/10

Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine

Normal urine contains various nitrogenous waste products and minerals, and its concentration varies depending on individual hydration levels.
The first urine in the morning is more likely to have bubbles, so it is normal for urine to appear bubbly.
Moreover, since your health check showed no abnormalities, this is not a concern.
Generally, bubbles dissipate within two to three minutes and are usually clinically insignificant.
If they persist, it is necessary to check for proteinuria.
A single test showing proteinuria is not sufficient; multiple follow-up tests are required, at least two or more.
If proteinuria is confirmed, further investigation into potential underlying causes is warranted.

To further assess the presence of protein in your urine, a microalbumin test should be conducted.
If microalbumin levels are normal, there is no need for concern.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used measure of standard body weight, calculated using the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²).
According to domestic standards, a BMI between 18.5 and 24 is considered normal; a BMI between 24 and 27 is classified as overweight; and a BMI over 27 is classified as obese.
If your weight is 75 kg, your BMI would be 24.3, indicating slight overweight.
Possible reasons for this could include irregular lifestyle habits, malnutrition, certain diseases, deposition of lip pigments, UV damage, and individual skin tone, which can also be a contributing factor.

Reply Date: 2004/06/10

More Info

When considering whether you may have diabetes, it's essential to understand the symptoms and the context of your health. Based on your description, you mentioned experiencing bubbles in your urine, which can be a common occurrence and is not necessarily indicative of diabetes. Bubbles in urine can result from various factors, including the speed of urination, the concentration of urine, or even the presence of proteins. If the bubbles persist for an extended period or are accompanied by other symptoms, it may warrant further investigation.

Your health metrics, such as your ability to run and perform physical exercises, suggest that you are relatively fit. However, you also mentioned some concerning factors, such as your family history of diabetes and your irregular sleep patterns, which can contribute to overall health issues. The fact that you have a family history of diabetes does increase your risk, but it does not guarantee that you will develop the condition.

The symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. While you did not mention these specific symptoms, the presence of bubbles in your urine and your family history should prompt you to monitor your health closely. It might be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation, including blood tests to check your blood sugar levels.

Regarding your question about the color of your lips, it is essential to note that lip color can vary significantly among individuals and can be influenced by several factors, including skin tone, hydration levels, and even temperature. Lips may appear darker or lighter based on blood flow and oxygenation. A bluish tint can sometimes indicate a lack of oxygen, but this is typically more concerning in the context of other symptoms. If you notice persistent changes in color or any other unusual symptoms, it would be wise to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

In summary, while the presence of bubbles in your urine alone is not a definitive sign of diabetes, it is essential to consider your overall health, family history, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. Regular health check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress are crucial steps in preventing diabetes and promoting overall health. If you have concerns about your health or potential diabetes, please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and testing.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Testing, and Risk Factors Explained

Hello Dr. Lee: In the past month, I have noticed persistent bubbles in my urine and have experienced increased urinary frequency, especially 2 to 3 hours after consuming sugary drinks, along with nocturia. I am concerned about kidney disease or diabetes. Last week, I visited the ...

Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist for further examination to determine your current condition. As for the causes of diabetes, there are many factors beyond diet, including genetic factors, lifestyle, lack of exercise, and more. The endocrinologist will ...

Understanding Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria or Diabetes?

As stated in the title, could you please tell me if this indicates that I have a proteinuria issue, or could it mean I have diabetes? I also feel quite thirsty lately, and I'm not sure if it's just my imagination. Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Hematuria without proteinuria and not related to diabetes requires a complete urinalysis and blood tests for glucose to determine if there are any issues with the urine and to check for diabetes. Wishing you good health.

Frequent Urination and Thirst in Teens: Could It Be Diabetes?

A 16-year-old girl has a family history of diabetes, with her grandmother and aunt having severe diabetes. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent urination and excessive thirst, with the urgency becoming more severe today, needing to use the restroom every few minutes. Afte...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or nutritionist. It still sounds important to quickly see a urologist for a urine examination. Symptoms of diabetes include increased appetite, increased thirst, frequent...

Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help

I have seen many doctors due to my bad breath, but the problem has not been resolved, which is very distressing for me. My symptoms include severe halitosis, frequent foamy urine, occasional chest tightness, and fatigue. Additionally, I have a history of gout and am currently on ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of halitosis, including issues related to the oral cavity, otolaryngology, lungs, trachea, esophagus, stomach, and even metabolic problems. As for "bubbly urine," it generally warrants consideration of proteinur...