Quick Summary-Diabetes and water are they related? How much water a diabetic person should drink to stay hydrated? Did you know diabetes increases dehydration and causes dry mouth and oral health issues? Read this article to learn more about adequate water intake for a diabetic person.
Ideally, a diabetic should drink 8-10 glasses of water, or 2 to 2.5 liters of water, on average, every day. Diabetes increases dehydration because of the high glucose levels in the body. That is why it is crucial to maintain water intake to keep yourself hydrated. Read this article to learn more about the water intake for a diabetic person.
Understanding Diabetes and Water Balance
Hydration is the hallmark of a healthy gut and metabolism. And if you are a diabetic, having enough water becomes all the more necessary. Elevated glucose levels can lead to urination, which in turn can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help regulate blood glucose levels and support the kidneys in flushing out excess glucose levels.
However, it is advised to consult a dietician or nutritionist as well if you are diagnosed with other medical conditions alongside diabetes.
A simple way to check your hydration status is to monitor your urine colour. Pale or clear urine is a sign of a healthy gut, while dark yellow or amber urine suggests your body requires more fluids.
A tip- Diabetes and water both plays a big role in managing your diabetes.
Daily water intake for male/female diabetics
Now that it’s understood that a diabetic should drink more water than a non-diabetic, but how much more? And does it vary if you are male or female?
Yes, there is a slight difference in the intake of water for men and women, which is given below in the chart:
| Category | Recommendation |
| Water Intake(men) | 2l |
| Water Intake(women) | 1.6l |
Self Monitoring- Pale yellow colour is ideal
The table shows the ideal water intake of male and female diabetics. However, to avoid complications, it is advisable to consult a insulin resistance nutritionist or diabetes educator if you are suffering from other diseases.
Daily Hydration Tips for Managing Diabetes and Water Balance
A small change in your lifestyle can revitalize your health condition. Staying hydrated is the first step towards it, here’s how you can achieve it.
- When it comes to diabetes and water journey, setting a goal after consulting your doctor or dietician.
- Keep a small bottle with you all the time so that you can sip anytime anywhere.
- Track your water intake and try to increase it slowly.
- Add some flavor to your water so that the taste is not compromised.
Diabetes and Water: Can Dehydration Spike Your Blood Sugar
Yes, it may lead to an increase in the sugar or glucose level in your blood. It can further cause problems like-
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Skin and Lip dryness
- Dark Urine
- Decreased Urine Output.
Remember, when your body loses more water than it intakes, your blood glucose level rises. This imbalance impairs the kidneys’ ability to flush out excess glucose, and prolonged dehydration can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), a life-threatening condition.
Healthy tips for getting enough fluid if you are a diabetic patient
When it comes to diabetes and water hhere are some tips for diabetic patients to hydrate the body. Yes, it’s crucial to drink enough water to get hydrated, but what else could we do to make ourselves hydrated if we are diabetic? A few tips are listed below other than drinking water:
- Hydrate with fiber—add vegetables and high-water foods to your diet, like cucumbers, chia seeds, and berries. These slow down glucose absorption in your body and make you feel hydrated.
- Herbal teas—They provide hydration and control blood sugar to increase it. Examples are ginger tea, cinnamon tea, and hibiscus tea. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants, which help in regulating blood glucose levels in your body.
- Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages—as they cause glucose fluctuation.
These are some self-care diabetic health tips that will help you control your body’s blood glucose level fluctuations.
Conclusion: Make Diabetes and Water Work Together
A diabetic condition leads to an increase in urination, which leads to water loss from the body. So please follow these small tips and steps to stay hydrated, as well as consult an expert dietician who will help you follow a customized diet plan according to your medical condition. This summer, stay hydrated and stay cool.
FAQ
How does water effects diabetes?
When a person has diabetes, the urination activity is increased compared to the person who does not have this condition, which leads to loss of water from your bloodstream and causes hyperglycaemia due to an increase in glucose level in the body. Therefore, it is advisable to be hydrated if you are diagnosed with diabetes so that it will not lead to any major problem. Maintaining balance between diabetes and water intake prevent complications.
Any fruit that can keep you hydrated?
Watermelon is a magical fruit that can help you stay hydrated and balance out your blood sugar level. However, you need to take in moderation. To know more about it you can read our blog can diabetic eat watermelon?
Is drinking more water good for diabetes?
No, excessive water intake is not necessary, as told a diabetic male should drink approximately 2 liters of water, and a woman should drink 1.6 litres of water per day to keep herself hydrated. But consult your doctor or dietician before blindly following the tips.
Can you flush out excess glucose by drinking a lot of water?
Yes, drinking more water pushes the kidney to flush out excess glucose levels from the body; thereby helping you to maintain your blood sugar levels.
Any morning drinking rituals that a diabetic should follow?
The best thing that you can add to your diet if you have diabetes is an unsweetened drink. You can add warm water with a few drops of lemon in it to detoxify your body, and you can also add apple cider to your diet, which is also helpful for you to keep your body hydrated. Managing diabetes and water is an effective way to support health.
