Why Is It Important To Stay Hydrated With Diabetes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

When blood sugars are high, the kidneys work harder and filter your blood more frequently, pulling water out of your body as they filter your blood. In order to help replenish this liquid, it is essential

to drink more water to keep fluid balance normal in your body

.

Why is hydration important for diabetics?

Quite simply, when you don't drink enough water, the glucose in your bloodstream becomes more concentrated. And that leads to

higher blood sugar levels

. Both mild and severe dehydration can have a notable impact on your .

How does dehydration affect diabetes?

For people with type 2 diabetes, dehydration can be especially dangerous. That's because it

causes blood pressure to fall and the body to secrete stress hormones

, like norepinephrine and epinephrine, which may raise blood sugar, Rizza explains.

How do diabetics stay hydrated?

  1. Drink fluids. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or caffeine-free beverages such as seltzer water or sugar-free lemonade. …
  2. Be mindful of heat exhaustion. …
  3. Keep cool while exercising. …
  4. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly. …
  5. Keep insulin cool.

Why is it important to stay hydrated?

Hydration plays a crucial role in many different body function. Proper hydration

allows our bodies to regulate body temperature

. It also keeps joints lubricated and helps deliver nutrients to cells. Drinking adequate water helps us sleep better, improves mood, fight infections, and can improve cognition.

Should diabetic drink more water?

When it comes to hydration,

water

is the best option for people with diabetes. That's because it won't raise your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help your body eliminate excess glucose through urine.

What should I eat if my sugar is high?

  • Whole wheat bread.
  • Fruits.
  • Sweet potatoes and yams.
  • Oatmeal and oat bran.
  • Nuts.
  • Legumes.
  • Garlic.
  • Cold-water fish.

Does staying hydrated lower blood sugar?

Staying hydrated

can reduce blood sugar levels and diabetes risk

. Water is the best choice.

How is dehydration treated in diabetes?

Dehydration can be treated by

taking on board fluids

. Water is ideal because it has no additional sugar. If dehydration is more severe, and you require medical help, you may be given additional electrolytes (salts) which may be lost from the body through dehydration.

Does hydration lower blood sugar?


Water quite literally reduces blood sugar by diluting the amount of sugar in the blood

. It also prevents us from ever going high in the first place. When we are properly hydrated (and — if on insulin — have the proper insulin dosage), our bloodstream is in a perfect balance of just the right amount of glucose.

Is Gatorade bad for diabetes?

But Gatorade contains

high levels

of sugar and food dyes, which may increase people's risk of certain health conditions, including weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Gatorade and other sports drinks are not inherently healthy or healthier than other beverages.

Can diabetics drink Coke Zero?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends

zero-calorie or low-calorie drinks

. The main reason is to prevent a spike in blood sugar.

Can you flush out sugar by drinking water?

Drinking more water

When your blood sugar levels are running high, your body will try to flush excess sugar out of

your

blood through the urine. As a result, your body will need more fluids to rehydrate itself. Drinking water can help the body with flushing out some of the glucose in the blood.

What happens to your body when you are hydrated?

On the other hand, when you are hydrated, you're

less likely to be sick from the common cold and other illnesses

. Your body will be better equipped to eliminate waste and other things that are harmful to your body. All of your organs from your kidneys to your heart will be stronger and function properly.

How do you tell if you are properly hydrated?


The color of your urine

is one of the most reliable indicators of your body's level of hydration. If you're dehydrated, the contents of your toilet bowl will be a dark yellow. When you're properly hydrated, it will range from light yellow to fully clear.

What happens when you are properly hydrated?


Your Kidneys

Stay Healthier

Water helps your kidneys remove waste from your blood. If you don't get enough water, that waste — along with acids — can build up. That can lead to your kidneys getting clogged up with proteins called myoglobin. Dehydration can also lead to kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.