How Hydration Impacts Blood Sugar Levels

The connection between diabetes and dehydration

Dehydration happens when the quantity of water and fluids leaving your body exceeds the quantity of water and fluids entering it.¹

If you are a diabetic and you are dehydrated, the blood gets concentrated with higher sugar levels, leading to hyperglycaemia.¹ When sugar levels rise in the blood, the kidneys try to reduce the levels by expelling glucose through urine. This is called osmotic diuresis, and it results in increased urination. Increased urination, in turn, causes more fluid loss from the body, increasing dehydration.²

 

Dehydration and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis

As mentioned earlier, reduced fluid levels in the body raise the concentration of sugar in the blood, leading to hyperglycaemia. Persistent hyperglycaemia, without treatment, can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, also called DKA in short.¹

DKA is a situation in which your body doesn’t have sufficient insulin. This, in turn, prevents glucose from entering the cells to generate energy. In the absence of glucose, cells start breaking down fat, which results in the production of acidic ketones. The acidic ketones start accumulating in the blood and make it acidic. If it is untreated, DKA can prove life-threatening.²

 

Why is proper hydration important for diabetics?

Now that you know the harmful effects of dehydration, here are the reasons why diabetics need optimal hydration³ –

 

1. Maintaining blood sugar

Proper hydration is important to maintain the water-to-glucose level in your bloodstream. By staying hydrated, you can minimise the risk of hyperglycaemia, maintain blood sugar levels, and improve the metabolism of glucose.

 

2. Avoiding physiological issues

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, kidney issues, and even affect your body’s cardiovascular system. For instance, when you are dehydrated, your kidneys put more effort into flushing out excess sugar through urine. This can impair kidney function in the long run. Similarly, dehydration also affects blood circulation, which might damage the heart. So, staying hydrated is essential to prevent long-term health concerns.

 

4. Promotes a healthy weight

Inadequate water consumption might lead to unhealthy snacking habits and consuming a higher number of calories. This can cause weight gain, which causes insulin resistance in diabetics.

Drinking enough water can make you feel full and avoid the risk of overeating. This can aid in weight management, which, in turn, can help in managing diabetes.

 

5. Balancing electrolytes in the blood

Important electrolytes, like potassium, magnesium, and sodium, contribute to muscle contraction and nerve function. Dehydration can disrupt electrolyte balance and hamper important bodily functions, which can cause health issues in people with diabetes.

 

How much water is needed for diabetics?

The actual water content depends on your activity levels, age, weather, etc. For instance, you might need more water and fluids during summers compared to winters. Similarly, if you exercise frequently, you might need to consume more water.

That being said, there are some general guidelines on water consumption for diabetics. Here’s what you should know –

• About 8-10 glasses of water, or 2-2.5 litres, is important for adults.
• Diabetics should examine their urine colour. If the urine turns dark yellow, it is a sign of dehydration. Clear or pale yellow coloured urine indicates proper hydration.
• You can consult a medical professional to understand your individual water needs.

 

Tips to include optimal fluid intake

While you know how much water you need, here are some tips that can help you stay hydrated at all times –

• Carry a water bottle at all times so that you can sip water regularly
• You can set reminders on your phone or smartwatch, prompting water intake at specific intervals
• Try to consume water-rich food items like cucumber, watermelon, etc.
• You can choose alkaline water or drinks without sugar to consume electrolytes.

 

When do you need medical attention for dehydration?

Mild dehydration is not risky. You can increase your water intake to optimise hydration levels. However, in the case of the following symptoms, you might need medical attention² –

• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Minimal urine in the last 8 or more hours
• Rapid heartbeats or deep breathing

 

Stay hydrated, stay healthy

Staying hydrated as a diabetic is important as it helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote physiological functions. While drinking 8-10 glasses of water is recommended, take professional help to find out the optimal water level your body needs.

Maintain a balanced diet, take regular medications, and drink sufficient fluid for effective diabetic management. Dehydration can prove to be risky, so it is important to maintain your water levels at all times.

 

Key takeaways

• Dehydration is when the quantity of fluid intake is lower than the quantity of fluid expelled by the body.
• Dehydration concentrates blood sugar levels in diabetics, leading to hyperglycaemia.
• Unchecked and persistent hyperglycaemia can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• DKA is when the body uses fat for energy production. This produces acidic ketones, which makes the blood acidic and can prove life-threatening.
• It is essential to stay hydrated for regulating blood glucose, promoting physiological functions, maintaining a healthy weight and electrolyte levels.
• Drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day is recommended, but you can consult medical professionals to understand the optimal water intake.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. Is cold water good for diabetics?

The water temperature does not matter. You can drink cold, warm or tepid water depending on your preference.² In fact, drinking cold water in summers can prove refreshing and help you stay hydrated.

 

2. What is the right time to drink water?

It is preferable to keep drinking water throughout the day to regulate blood sugar levels.

 

3. Will drinking water immediately reduce sugar concentration in the blood?

The effect of water consumption might not be seen effectively. It takes some time for the glucose concentration to reduce.²

 

4. Can drinking too much water prove counter-effective?

Drinking too much water can hamper the balance of electrolytes in your body.⁴ So, it is better to drink the optimal amount of water as suggested by your nutritionist.

 

5. What are the common signs of dehydration?

Some of the common signs of dehydration include dry mouth and skin, too much thirst, dizziness and fatigue, dark urine, headache, etc.²

 

Sources

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-dehydration-cause-high-blood-sugar#how-does-it-affect-blood-sugar
2. https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/hydration-and-blood-sugar-the-impact-of-water-intake-on-glycemic-control
3. https://www.lalpathlabs.com/blog/importance-of-hydration-for-diabetes/
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/water-intoxication