New Delhi: Staying hydrated is essential for individuals managing diabetes, as it offers multiple indirect benefits that positively impact blood sugar control and overall health. While drinking water doesn’t directly lower blood sugar, it aids in maintaining body functions that support diabetes management, prevent complications, and improve well-being. Here’s how developing a daily hydration routine can enhance health outcomes for people with diabetes.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Satyam Chakraborty, Consultant Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, explained how drinking water can regulate high blood sugar naturally.
Why Hydration Matters for Blood Sugar Control
Dehydration can increase the risk of diabetic complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe condition that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to process glucose. This can lead to blood sugar spikes and an increased need for hydration to support kidney function in flushing out excess glucose. Without enough water intake, the body may struggle to expel glucose through urine, contributing to dehydration and complicating blood sugar management. Staying hydrated helps maintain blood sugar balance and supports the kidneys in performing their vital functions.
Medication and Hydration Needs
Certain diabetes medications, notably sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, increase the body’s need for hydration. These drugs help regulate blood sugar by encouraging the kidneys to excrete excess glucose through urine. While effective, they can also increase dehydration risk, making it crucial for users to prioritize adequate water intake.
Reducing the Risk of Infections Through Hydration
For people with diabetes, hydration offers an important benefit in infection prevention. SGLT2 inhibitors can raise the likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital infections, especially in women, as the sugar expelled through urine creates a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water daily dilutes urine, reducing the concentration of sugar and creating a less hospitable setting for bacteria and fungi, thereby decreasing infection risks.
Monitoring urine color and output is a simple yet effective way to assess hydration. Dark yellow urine or a strong odor may indicate dehydration, whereas light-colored or clear urine typically signals adequate hydration.
Additional Health Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Hydration supports overall health, which is crucial for diabetes management. For instance, drinking enough water can help stabilize blood pressure. Dehydration often leads to higher blood pressure as the body retains more sodium to conserve water. High blood pressure is common among individuals with diabetes, and maintaining adequate hydration is a straightforward way to help keep it in check.
Moreover, staying hydrated boosts energy levels and helps reduce symptoms like fatigue and dizziness, which can interfere with daily diabetes management tasks. Being well-hydrated helps individuals stay alert and better able to manage their blood sugar, medication schedules, and diet.
Building a Hydration Routine
Creating a proactive hydration routine can have transformative effects on diabetes management. Here are some tips to incorporate adequate water intake into your day:
Set a Daily Water Goal: Aim to drink 8–10 glasses of water per day, adjusting as needed based on factors like physical activity and weather.
Track Your Intake: Use a marked water bottle or a hydration app to monitor your daily progress.
Opt for Water Over Sugary Drinks: Sugary beverages can spike blood sugar, while plain water hydrates without adding glucose or calories.
Monitor Urine Colour: Light or clear urine indicates good hydration, while darker urine may suggest dehydration.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Personalised hydration advice is recommended, especially if you’re taking medications that increase water loss.
Hot weather, physical activity, and certain medications can increase water loss, making it essential to stay vigilant about hydration. Keep a water bottle on hand during physical activities or time outdoors, especially in warm weather, to offset the added water loss from sweating.
In conclusion
Prioritising hydration is a proactive step that empowers people with diabetes to maintain their health and reduce the risk of complications. For tailored advice on hydration needs and to address specific medication effects, consult a healthcare provider.
For people with diabetes, hydration offers an important benefit in infection prevention. SGLT2 inhibitors can raise the likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital infections, especially in women, as the sugar expelled through urine creates a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
