Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What does polyuria refer to in diabetes?

1. Increased thirst

2. Increased frequency of urination

3. Decreased appetite

4. Decreased urination

The correct answer is: Increased frequency of urination

Polyuria refers to the condition characterized by an increased frequency of urination. In the context of diabetes, this occurs due to elevated blood glucose levels, which lead to an excess of glucose in the urine. The kidneys attempt to excrete this excess glucose, resulting in increased osmotic pressure in the renal tubules. As a consequence, water is drawn into the urine, causing a larger volume of urine to be produced. This phenomenon is commonly associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, where inadequate blood glucose control leads to symptoms like polyuria. The other options describe related but distinct phenomena. Increased thirst is often a result of dehydration caused by polyuria, as the body loses more fluid. Decreased appetite can occur in some patients with diabetes but is not directly linked to the urinary symptoms. Decreased urination does not apply to diabetes, as the hallmark of the disease includes an increase in urine output due to the reasons stated.