Water comprises no carbs or calories. And, it is the perfect drink for diabetics. Drinking water helps to control the blood sugar levels. It is important to stay hydrated. As, water constitutes more than half of the human body. 60% of the body contains water, 75% in muscles, and 85% in brains. Water acts as oil to a machine.
Yet, people do not drink enough. It is seen that 75% of population are perpetually dehydrated. As diabetics, drinking enough water is particularly critical. Even little dehydration during the day may affect the blood glucose. This article explains how dehydration impacts blood glucose levels. Also, how much water any person must drink every day. Also, who must limit their water consumption and what else can be drunk as a replacement of plain water.
Almost every process of the body depends upon water
Water does far more for bodies than a person may realize. Water helps in:
- digestion
- joint lubrication
- removal of waste products
- carries out a host of other vital tasks in the body.
Improper hydration considerably lowers the physical capacity and brain function. Satisfactory water consumption is important for daily body functions:
- helps in meal digestion
- carries nutrients and oxygen to the body cells
- flushes bacteria from the bladder
- normalizes the blood pressure
- maintains a stable heartbeat
- prevents constipation
- controls body temperature
- maintains the body’s electrolyte or sodium levels
- cushions the joints
- protects the organs and tissues from potential damage
Lowering blood sugar levels
The bodies of diabetics demand more fluid when blood sugar levels rise. This may cause the kidneys trying to excrete excess glucose via urine. Water would not elevate the sugar levels in the blood. For this reason, it is beneficial to drink when diabetics have high blood glucose. As, it enables more sugar to get removed from the blood.
Dehydration and diabetes
High sugar levels might increase the risk of dehydration. It is a risk for individuals with diabetes mellitus. Individuals having diabetes insipidus also have an increased risk of dehydration. Yet, this does not associate with high blood glucose levels.
Diabetes mellitus
Drinking water aids to rehydrate the blood. It happens when the body tries to excrete excess sugar via urine. Else, the body might use other sources of available water. These include saliva and tears. In case of a limited access of water, glucose might not pass of the urine. This may lead to further dehydration.
Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes inspidus does not associate with high blood glucose levels. Yet, it may lead to the body producing a huge quantity of urine. This might also leave individuals regularly feeling thirsty. Also, may leave the person at a higher risk of dehydration. Enhancing the amount of water, a person can drink mitigates such signs. And, the person might be advised to drink a specific amount of water a day by the concerned doctor.
How much water a person must drink?
The European Food Safety Authority proposes that the following amounts of water a person must have each day:
- Women: 1.6 litres or about eight 200ml glasses per day
- Men: 2 litres or about ten 200ml glasses per day
These fluid consumption values might be made up of any fluid. Even though, water is the most highly advisable one.
Diabetes research
A study found that when water intake is increased, the onset of hyperglycemia can be avoided. Also, the risk of subsequent diabetes can be prevented. Participants that took above one liter of water per day had a 28% reduced risk of developing new onset hyperglycemia. It was compared to those drinking less than 500ml of water each day. The researchers also emphasized the hormone vasopressin. This hormone rises when dehydration happens. It is a possible risk factor for hyperglycemia or diabetes. Also, it was concluded that increased water intake could decrease the probability of sharp vasopressin levels.
Also read:- Diabetes Reversal plans
Water alternatives
If a person does not like the taste of water, add a slice of fruit. These fruits can be orange, lemon or lime. Prepare cut slices of these fruits. Then, store them in the freezer ready for use. Be cautious of bottled flavoured waters. Even though, few of these include moderately high amount of sugar. Other flavoured bottled water contains sweeteners. They are far better for blood sugar levels than sweetened versions. However, they are still not as healthy as plain water. Soda or sparkling water works generally fine in the carbonated forms. Yet, it is worth checking if a person gets the chance. Also, don’t make the fault of asking for tonic water. As, tonic water is generally sweetened.
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