drinks a lot

My 3-year old daughter seems to drink a lot during the day. It could be water, juice, milk, or other drinks. I am concerned about this.

Is this normal for kids to drink 5-8 bottles of liquid during the day or could this be a symptom of diabetes? Are there any other signs I should be looking for with this excessive thirst?

[pumpgirl03]

I would definitely talk to your doctor. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of diabetes:
-freguent thirst (even during the night)
-frequent urination (peeing a lot in the middle of the night)
-unexplained weight loss
-dry or "cotton" mouth
-tired and sleepy even after a nap
-lack of energy
-wounds that may seem slow to heal
-in some cases blurred vision

these are most of the classic signs of  juvenile diabetes. If you are concerned talk to your doctor and for more info visit the JDRF site!
Pumpgirl03

[JDRF-Team-jhg]

While excessive thirst IS one of the symptoms of diabetes, that alone is not cause for alarm.  Other signs to watch for are frequent urination, dramatic weight loss, and sometimes the symptoms can mimic the stomach flu.  If your daughter is especially active, the 5-8 bottles of liquid you mention may be what her body requires to stay hydrated in the summer's heat.  Just to put things in perspective for you, just prior to my son's diagnosis he was drinking gallons of water a day and begging for more!  If your daughter's demand for fluids continues or escalates or she exhibits any of the additional symptoms, I suggest you consult her pediatrician and ask for his/her guidance.

[jdrf team dm]

I was glad to hear that you are making an appointment with her physician. It maybe nothing, but if it is type 1 diabetes, the sooner you know the better.  Thirst alone maybe typical if she is very active. The test is very simple as JDRF Team JHG advised. Please let us know how things come out.  We are all in this together and will help in anyway we can.
Best wish's,
Debbie

[JDRF-Team-jhg]

Generally the doctor starts with a simple urine test that will tell him whether or not ketones are present in the urine.  He may also choose to do a finger ***** to obtain a blood sample to check blood sugar levels. This is similar to the test I'm sure you had done when you were pregnant to check you iron level.

[Babycakes1]

It's hard to tell with a 3 year old, what's frequent and what's not. It's also my first child so it's really hard to compare against. I think I'll call the pediatrican and make an appointment, what kind of test do they do for diabetes?

[sankitts]

My son is 7 going on 8 in July 19, of this year, he as suffer frebral siezers, and dignosed with sleep apnea, but he has not had a seizer for about 11/2 now, and when he felt he had a siezer going to happen he will drink a lot of water. now my son is drinking a lot of water and urninating a lot during the night, diabietes run in my family, my mother, grandmother and grandfather on my father side. My son had an appointment today and he got his urin tested, but he has to go back to get a fasting blood test. so we will see, just a concern of mother that has delt with a lot. He is now with my mother and she knows the signs of being a diabetic. that was great on her part hoping for the best concern mom!