Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Possible Causes

Frequent urination with low urine volume?

Hello, doctor.
My mother was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year.
She exercises regularly, and her blood sugar levels are well-controlled, typically ranging from 80 to 120 mg/dL (she measures her blood sugar after exercising).
However, in the past few days, she has experienced frequent urination, although the urine volume is low, and she has been having diarrhea.
She already visited the urology department at Kaohsiung Medical University, but the results will not be available until early June.
We are quite concerned.
Could this be related to autonomic neuropathy? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Panghuan Wuzuo de Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/05/28

Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine

Your mother has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and exercise can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
If her fasting blood glucose level is between 80-120 mg/dL, that is acceptable; however, it is also recommended that she monitor her postprandial blood glucose levels, as these are closely related to her dietary habits.
Dietary control plays a crucial role in blood sugar management.
If your mother exercises but does not control her diet, her blood sugar may still rise.

Regarding her frequent urination, this is one of the symptoms of high blood sugar, but urinary tract infections can also cause frequent urination.
Therefore, we must wait for her urine test results to determine the underlying issue.
As for the cause of her diarrhea, there could be several factors.
Since your mother has only recently been diagnosed with diabetes, the likelihood of autonomic neuropathy is lower due to the short duration of the disease.
It is advisable to closely monitor her for any additional symptoms to better understand the true cause of her diarrhea.

Reply Date: 2005/05/28

More Info

Frequent urination with low volume can be concerning, especially in a patient with a recent diagnosis of diabetes. Your mother's situation, characterized by frequent urination and diarrhea, raises several potential issues that need to be considered.

Firstly, diabetes can lead to a condition known as diabetic nephropathy, which affects kidney function over time. This condition can cause changes in urination patterns, including increased frequency and decreased volume. However, since your mother is actively managing her blood sugar levels, it is essential to consider other factors that might contribute to her symptoms.

One possible explanation for her frequent urination could be related to the body's response to high blood sugar levels. When blood glucose levels are elevated, the kidneys attempt to excrete the excess glucose through urine, which can lead to increased urination (polyuria). Even though her blood sugar levels are reported to be well-controlled, fluctuations can occur, particularly after exercise or dietary changes. It would be beneficial for her to monitor her blood sugar levels more closely, especially during times of increased urination.

Additionally, the presence of diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may paradoxically cause the body to attempt to conserve water, resulting in concentrated urine and potentially lower urine volume. It is crucial to ensure that she stays well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate urinary symptoms and lead to further complications.

Another consideration is the possibility of autonomic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes that affects the autonomic nervous system. This condition can impact bladder function, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. If this is the case, it would require a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider specializing in diabetes management and urology.

In the meantime, it is advisable for your mother to maintain a detailed record of her fluid intake, urinary output, and any other symptoms she experiences, such as changes in bowel habits or abdominal discomfort. This information can be invaluable for her healthcare provider in determining the underlying cause of her symptoms.

Lastly, while waiting for the results from her urology appointment, it is essential to remain vigilant about her overall health. If she experiences any worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, or significant changes in her urinary habits, she should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, frequent urination with low volume in a patient with diabetes can be attributed to several factors, including blood sugar fluctuations, dehydration due to diarrhea, and potential autonomic neuropathy. Close monitoring of her blood sugar levels, hydration status, and a thorough evaluation by her healthcare provider will be crucial in addressing her symptoms effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Solutions for Low Urine Output

Frequent urination with a small volume of urine is known as urinary frequency.

Dr. Lai Ronghao reply Urology
Hello: Please visit the urology clinic for further examination and treatment.

Frequent Urination with Low Output: Possible Causes and Solutions

Doctor, my mother often goes to the bathroom 1-2 times an hour with a small amount of urine each time, but she still has a persistent urge to urinate. She has had a urinalysis, and there is no infection. This has been going on for over 20 days without improvement. Could you pleas...

Dr. Liu Mingyue reply Urology
Hello: If it hasn't been a long-standing issue, there are likely some underlying causes that need to be investigated by a healthcare professional. Even if there is no infection, there could be other reasons. It's advisable to drink plenty of water and limit the intake o...

Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Solutions for Relief

Hello Dr. Hsu, I previously asked you about my frequent urination issue. The urine test conducted by the doctor showed no problems, and my urine was quite diluted. (Can early-stage cystitis be detected through such tests?) However, the color of my nighttime urine and the urine ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
KK: Hello, the phenomenon of frequent urination can be caused by many factors. Stress, anxiety, infections, and increased fluid intake are all contributing factors to frequent urination. Recommendation: It is advisable to keep a record of your urine output each time. If the volum...

Understanding Urination Issues: Causes and Concerns for Men

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some difficulty with urination lately. When my urine volume is low, it takes me over 10 seconds standing in front of the toilet to urinate, and the stream is weak; I have to exert effort to increase the flow. However, when I drink a lot of w...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing some difficulty urinating. When my urine volume is low, it takes me over 10 seconds standing in front of the toilet to urinate, and the stream is very weak; I have to exert effort to increase the flow. However, when I drink a lot of water...