# Excessive thirst: causes and when to see a doctor

_Excessive thirst: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/excessive-thirst

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Feeling very thirsty most of the time, along with urinating often, can be a sign of diabetes. Heat, salty food and some medicines also cause thirst. Get a blood sugar test if thirst is new and persistent.

**Excessive thirst: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Get a blood sugar test if thirst is new and persistent. | A fasting blood sugar or HbA1c test. | Hypertension and diabetes assessment | Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200 |

## Excessive thirst: common questions

**Q: What can cause excessive thirst?**

A: Feeling very thirsty most of the time, along with urinating often, can be a sign of diabetes. Heat, salty food and some medicines also cause thirst.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Get a blood sugar test if thirst is new and persistent.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A fasting blood sugar or HbA1c test.

**Q: Is excessive thirst serious?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's hypertension and diabetes assessment (Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [World Health Organization, Diabetes fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## Related symptoms

- [Blurred vision: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/blurred-vision)
- [Dizziness: causes and when to worry | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/dizziness)
- [Frequent urination: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/frequent-urination)
- [Headache and high blood pressure: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/headache-and-high-blood-pressure)
- [Nosebleeds: causes and when to worry | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/nosebleeds)
- [Pounding heartbeat: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/pounding-heartbeat)
- [Tingling in hands and feet: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/tingling-in-hands-and-feet)
- [Wounds that heal slowly: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/wounds-that-heal-slowly)