Hydration and Diabetes

          Water, it is what makes our planet so unique and beautiful. From the oceans that covers 71% of the Earth’s surface to our bodies that are made up of up to 70% water. It is obvious then that we as humans could not survive with this precious resource. How does water affect those with diabetes though? Let’s dive into the specifics of how water can help those suffering with Diabetes.

           Firstly, water is good for those suffering with diabetes because it will not raise the blood sugar when consumed. One could drink as much water as they wanted, and it still would never raise their blood sugar.  It can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time between meals and can therefore keep your blood sugar more stable with less spikes. Foods that contain more water in them can have the same affect in keeping your body feeling fuller. It could also aid in weight loss all around. 

          Additionally, water consumption helps when the blood sugar has already spiked. If your numbers are above 180mg/dL drinking water will help dilute the sugar that is in the bloodstream. Water will also flush out toxins that are in the body by filtering the blood through the kidney’s and releasing the toxins by urination. Pale yellow urine is a sign of good hydration if its dark or smells strong it could be a sign of being sick or being dehydrated and should probably be checked by a doctor especially if it hurts to go to the bathroom.

          If you have ever been sick with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) you know the first thing they do as treatment is to get an I.V. of saliene and somtimes insulin going. This helps flush out the acids brought on by DKA. When your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. Ketones are chemicals that the body creates when it breaks down fat to use for energy. The body does this when it doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose, the body’s normal source of energy. When ketones build up in the blood, they make it more acidic. This acid makes your body feel tired and sluggish, and it may cause changes in your skin tone and  eventually could lead to a coma if not treated. Ketones are a warning sign that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick.

          Water helps flush out all the bad stuff that can be toxic to your system whether that’s too much glucose or ketones in your bloodstream. It benefits you by keeping your body hydrated and your blood sugars more stable than drinking sodas or other drinks like juices and sweetened teas with lots of sugar in them. It may also help keep up your kidney health by flushing them out and preventing the buildup of minerals as kidney stones. Diabetics tend to draw water from other sources when dehydrated like salvia or organs. Which in turn may cause further dehydration and push a dehydrated diabetic into DKA quicker. It may also lead to rapid tooth decay if they are left with dry mouth for extended periods. It is important to keep the mouth wet for your teeth to be healthy.