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For people with diabetes, maintaining proper blood sugar levels is crucial. Diabetes management requires not only medication but also lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and hydration.
But can drinking water lower blood sugar? While it might not be a cure-all, hydration plays a key role in blood sugar regulation.
Our body is made up of about 60% water, and every system in the body depends on proper hydration. For people with diabetes, staying hydrated is even more essential, as water helps maintain proper kidney function and supports the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose. When we're properly hydrated, our kidneys work more efficiently to filter excess sugar from the bloodstream and excrete it through urine. Dehydration, on the other hand, can impair this process and result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Dehydration can lead to a condition known as hyperglycemia, where blood sugar levels rise too high. When the body is dehydrated, it tries to conserve water by reducing the amount of fluid excreted in urine. This means the kidneys are less effective at filtering glucose from the bloodstream, causing blood sugar to rise. Additionally, dehydration can cause an imbalance in electrolytes, which can affect insulin sensitivity and further complicate blood sugar control.
For healthy individuals, general guidelines suggest drinking around 8 cups (about 2 liters) of water a day, distributed throughout the day. However, people with diabetes may need to adjust this based on activity levels, climate, and overall health. For instance, if you're physically active or live in a hot climate, you might need more fluids to prevent dehydration. In fact, maintaining optimal hydration can improve blood circulation and support better glucose absorption by the body’s cells.
When the body is dehydrated, it becomes harder for insulin to function efficiently, leading to decreased glucose metabolism. As a result, high blood sugar levels may persist, even with medication. For those with diabetes, staying hydrated is essential to maintaining balance in the body’s ability to manage insulin levels, blood sugar levels, and energy.
Recognizing dehydration early can help you avoid complications. Common signs include:
Dry mouth
Fatigue or dizziness
Dark yellow urine
Increased thirst
Since people with diabetes are more prone to dehydration, recognizing these symptoms early is key to preventing a spike in blood sugar.
There are several tips for being hydrated and managing blood sugar:
Drink water regularly: Aim to drink small amounts of water throughout the day rather than large amounts at once. This helps the body absorb it more effectively.
Hydrate with foods: Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated.
Avoid sugary drinks: Sweetened beverages, including soda and juice, can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Stick to water or unsweetened herbal teas.
Monitor hydration: If you have a higher blood sugar level, your body may be losing more fluid. Make sure to hydrate more frequently during high blood sugar episodes.
Make hydration enjoyable: Infuse your water with slices of fruits like lemon or mint to make it more appealing and increase your water intake.
Staying hydrated can sometimes be difficult for people with diabetes due to frequent urination caused by elevated blood glucose. Here are some practical ways to stay on top of your hydration:
Set reminders to drink water regularly throughout the day.
Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go to ensure easy access.
Drink a glass of water before each meal to help prevent overeating, especially if you have difficulty managing hunger cues due to fluctuating blood sugar.
Proper hydration can also enhance the effectiveness of diabetes medications. Water helps your body metabolize the drugs more efficiently, which can improve blood sugar control. Additionally, drinking enough water supports kidney health, which is crucial since people with diabetes are at an increased risk of kidney disease.
Hydration plays a vital role in managing diabetes and supporting overall health. While drinking water alone won't lower blood sugar drastically, it is an essential tool in preventing dehydration, improving kidney function, and supporting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively. By staying hydrated, you can keep your body in optimal condition and enhance the effectiveness of diabetes medications.
Make hydration a key part of your diabetes management plan. Staying hydrated can help regulate your blood sugar levels and support your overall health. If you're looking for personalized advice on hydration strategies and blood sugar control, our team at Family Care Centers Medical Group is here to help. Visit our Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In or Costa Mesa Urgent Care locations to learn how we can support your diabetes management journey.
Content Resources: Hyperglycemia
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
