DEHYDRATION DANGEROUS WITH DIABETES

The rise in diabetes, a disease of excess blood sugar, has been dramatic over the last century. Prior to that, it was relatively unheard of and quite a rarity. Only the rich were able to ingest sweet, sugary foods and did so only occasionally. Nowadays it’s put into everything, from salad dressings to main courses to every beverage imaginable.

Some people are diagnosed with this too common condition but are given little information other than being told to stay away from sugary foods and take their meds. Yet, as a society, we have improved on the issue of diabetic education. Vital information is typically provided to a newly diagnosed individual on the medications and the importance of diet. But is that enough?

Although given cursory mention, the importance of water intake for health is significant. Every cell in the body, for the most part, is bathed in a watery environment. Human cells will not function well if allowed to dry out. This is an important caveat in wound care, where exposed tissues (those once covered by skin) won’t go though the normal stages of healing if they get dry. Skin wounds that are uncovered will typically dry, slowing or even stopping healing.

Education for those individuals who have developed the disease is well recognized to be critically important. The dietary changes, along with the benefits of exercise, are the topics given center stage. They also benefit by learning about skin care, about the nerve changes that occur, and the need to create a consistent schedule for meals and meds. Unfortunately, routine daily water intake is often overlooked.

For several reasons, dehydration is quite dangerous to individuals with diabetes and carries many potential complications. Dehydration thickens our blood, leading to higher blood glucose concentrations. When someone’s blood sugar is high, their kidneys will try to remove excess sugar from the blood. They achieve this by pulling it out of the blood and excreting it into the urine, removing too much water in the process.

The result is that both issues, high blood sugar and dehydration, both lead to the other and both are dangerous to the health of our kidneys. This population tends to have kidney problems which can be exacerbated by any increase in the concentration of blood, making them work harder to remove waste.

Another consequence of inadequate water levels in the body has dire consequences, the development of a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), in which the blood becomes too acidic. Significant dehydration can contribute to this life-threatening complication of diabetes. DKA occurs when our body begins to break down fats at a faster pace, which in turn leads to the production of ketones. When these products of fat breakdown accumulate in the blood, it becomes too acidic. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be caused by dehydration but it can also exacerbate it. DKA is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

How does one know if their body stores of water are depleted? High blood sugar can lead to an intense thirst, which may be a signal the body is attempting to compensate for reduced water levels in the various compartments in the body. Additionally, the color of urine can be informative since dark urine is a sign of dehydration. For those with diabetes, only three days of drinking insufficient amounts of water can impair blood glucose levels.

Water is necessary for health and well-being so the optimal approach is to drink water throughout the day. Make a habit of it. Also, be mindful of your beverages, choosing options that provide effective hydration and aren’t overloaded with chemicals, coloring agents, preservatives, etc. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas and many juices since they will raise blood sugar and worsen dehydration. 

The complications of diabetes are significant and too often lead to disability, hospitalization, or worse. When it comes to management, diet and exercise are front and center, as they should be. But the role of simple, everyday water often gets overlooked. Diabetics need to pay close attention to their hydration levels since this is crucial for managing their blood glucose and also in preventing diabetic ketoacidosis.

Staying hydrated is important for overall well-being. But how healthy are your beverages? What else is being added to your sports drinks? How much micro-plastic are you consuming? How closely will these products be monitored? Many questions can be raised but don’t let one of them be about your water intake. Drink up….and drink regularly. It’s essential for life.