• Published on: Sep 11, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Second Opinion

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What is CBC test?

CBC stands for a complete blood count. This test is ordered together with, or in lieu of, other tests to find out certain facts about your blood that you can't observe just by looking at the rest of the machine's readout, such as whether you have any abnormally high levels of red and white cells; if there are too many platelets (blood-clotting cells) or too few; what your hematocrit reading reveals (the percentage of circulating red blood cells); or if there are any abnormalities in how your hemoglobin is doing.

A CBC blood test measures a patient's hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count. The "CBC" stands for "Complete Blood Count." A CBC test typically catches dangerous aspects of one's health before they could reach a crisis point because there are telltale green flags that show up on the blood screening. Understanding these green flags is imperative for those who suffer from chronic anemia or those who have been exposed to potentially life-threatening chemicals. This free-form amino acid should be supplemented inside a BCAA product as it has been shown to improve recovery rates following intense exercise sessions and acute liver damage in the rat model.

A cbc test, or complete blood count, is a screening test used to detect abnormalities in the colony of cells that reside in the bone marrow and typically produce all types of blood cells.

It also measures white and red blood cell counts as well as platelet counts. Platelets are the clotting components made by type-megakaryocyte cells residing in the bone marrow. White blood cells help fight infection from bacteria and other germs, while red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues scattered throughout your body. An abnormal white or red cell indicates a possible illness such as an infection or anemia (which causes reduced numbers of circulating red blood cells

Cbc Test is a diagnostic test used to examine the level of hemoglobin, red cells and white cells in the blood. The CBC can be used to diagnose anemia, infection or other diseases that affect the bone marrow. It may also be done along with a complete blood count (see CBC) or, when necessary, for chemical assessment after taking certain drugs or chemotherapy medications.

The cbc test (complete blood count) is a lab test that provides information on the number and type of cells in your body. A complete blood count (CBC) typically includes information such as red and white cell counts, platelet levels, hemoglobin levels, and other additional data.

A CBC is not typically ordered on its own unless you have symptoms that may be caused by one or more types of problems - for example something that might require further attention such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (blood disorder), chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer), thalassemia major (disease). A CBC with differential is usually ordered when there are concerning symptoms or issues present.

CBC testing is a primary way in which a doctor can examine a patient's general health, because it contains information on many different aspects. A CBC typically records at least 7 different parameters:

•Hemoglobin - The protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues and binds with carbon dioxide to carry it back from the tissues to be released into our airways.

Red Blood Cell Count - Counts how many red blood cells there are, both normal and abnormal types. This cell type has been singled out because its life span averages 120 days so if there were few being produced, or they were not

However, it is more correctly called "CBC" because there are separate tests that are needed for the different parts of the blood - white cells, red cells, platelets, etc., all found in your complete blood count.

What can possibly be measured depends on what additives you need to do along with the primary measurement of how many cells per milliliter of whole blood you have after mixing with plasma or serum. The most common measurements are hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying part), hematocrit (counts red cell volume) and mean corpuscular volume.

CBC looks at the various types of cells that are present in your blood - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This comprehensive test is used to measure the number of each type of cell in relation to one another on a per-microliter basis. It's used primarily as an indicator of health risk for certain time periods (for example infection or bone marrow), but can also be ordered when there are internal bleeding concerns. Common uses include monitoring kidney disease during dialysis treatment, chemotherapy after exposure to radiation therapy, hemolytic anaemias (blood disorders), chronic liver diseases, extreme iron overload due to repeated transfusions, heavy menstrual cycles during pregnancy.

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Is Frequent Urination Always a Sign of Diabetes?

Is Frequent Urination Always a Sign of Diabetes?

We all need to use the restroom multiple times a day, but what if you're going too often? If you're constantly rushing to the toilet, especially at night, you may start to wonder: Is frequent urination always a sign of diabetes?

The answer is not so simple. While frequent urination (also known as polyuria) is a classic symptom of diabetes, it can also happen due to several other health and lifestyle factors. This article breaks it down for you in easy language.

 

What Is Frequent Urination?

Frequent urination means needing to pass urine more than 7–8 times a day, or waking up more than once at night to urinate. If this becomes regular and disrupts your daily life or sleep, it's worth paying attention to.

 

The Link Between Diabetes and Frequent Urination

Yes, diabetes can cause frequent urination. But here’s how it works:

  • In people with high blood sugar, the kidneys try to flush out the excess glucose through urine.
     

  • As glucose leaves the body, it pulls extra water with it.
     

  • This causes more urine production, leading to frequent urination.
     

This is often one of the first signs of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, especially when accompanied by:

  • Extreme thirst
     

  • Unexplained weight loss
     

  • Fatigue
     

  • Blurry vision
     

 

Is Frequent Urination Always a Sign of Diabetes?

No, not always. While it can be an early symptom of diabetes, frequent urination has many other causes, both harmless and serious.

 

Other Common Causes of Frequent Urination

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are especially common in women and can make you feel like you have to urinate all the time, even if little comes out. It may also cause:

  • Burning sensation
     

  • Lower belly pain
     

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
     

2. High Fluid Intake

Drinking too much water, tea, or caffeine can increase urine output. This includes energy drinks, green tea, and alcohol.

3. Overactive Bladder (OAB)

A condition where the bladder muscles contract too often. Symptoms include:

  • Sudden urge to urinate
     

  • Involuntary urine leakage
     

  • Night-time urination
     

4. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus can increase urination frequency.

5. Diuretics (Water Pills)

These are medications given for high blood pressure or heart conditions that help the body get rid of excess fluid.

6. Stress and Anxiety

Some people urinate more often when they're nervous or anxious. It’s a part of the body’s fight-or-flight response.

7. Prostate Problems (in men)

An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, making it hard to empty the bladder completely.

8. Interstitial Cystitis

A chronic condition causing bladder pain and frequent urination, often mistaken for a UTI.

 

When to See a Doctor

Frequent urination can be harmless or a warning sign. See your doctor if you have:

  • Sudden increase in urination without change in fluid intake
     

  • Excessive thirst or hunger
     

  • Pain or burning while urinating
     

  • Blood in urine
     

  • Sleep disturbances due to urination
     

  • Unexplained weight loss
     

  • Fatigue or blurred vision
     

These could point to diabetes or another medical issue needing attention.

 

Useful Lab Tests (Available via SecondMedic & Thyrocare)

To rule out diabetes or urinary problems, the following tests are recommended:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) & Postprandial (PPBS)

  • Checks blood sugar levels in fasting and after eating.
     

2. HbA1c Test

  • Shows average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months.
     

3. Urine Routine & Microscopy

  • Detects infections, blood, sugar, or protein in urine.
     

4. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

  • Checks how well your kidneys are working.
     

These tests are affordable and available via SecondMedic with Thyrocare’s home sample collection.

 

Tips to Manage Frequent Urination

  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and fluid intake close to bedtime.
     

  • Practice bladder training—gradually increase time between bathroom visits.
     

  • Do Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles (especially useful for women).
     

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
     

  • Manage stress and anxiety.
     

  • Follow up with regular blood sugar checks if you're at risk of diabetes.
     

 

Conclusion

Frequent urination can be frustrating—but it's not always caused by diabetes. It could be due to many different reasons, from harmless habits to treatable health conditions.

If you’re concerned about how often you're urinating, don’t guess—get tested. It’s the only way to know whether it’s diabetes or something else.

So to answer your question:
Is frequent urination always a sign of diabetes?
No, but it's one of the most important causes to rule out—so book your tests and consult a doctor today.

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