Jakarta: For those who live with diabetesOf course, you already know how important it is to maintain healthy blood sugar (glucose) levels. If left unchecked, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves in the body. The condition can also lead to complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and cardiovascular disease.
But while medication, exercise, and a healthy diet can lower blood sugar, it’s also important to stay hydrated. High blood sugar can reduce fluid levels in the body, which can lead to dehydration.
Diabetes and dehydration
Quoted from Healthline, dehydration and diabetes can go hand in hand. In fact, thirst and dry mouth, both signs of mild dehydration, are often early indicators of diabetes. But, what is the relationship between diabetes and dehydration?
This has to do with how the body responds to high blood sugar. Diabetes means the body doesn’t make insulin or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body’s cells to absorb sugar in the bloodstream, and then use that sugar for energy.
If the body doesn’t use insulin properly, sugar can build up in the bloodstream. When blood sugar remains high for a long time, the kidneys have to work harder to filter and remove excess glucose.
This occurs through urination. It is this increased urination that leads to dehydration, especially if you don’t replace the fluids you’ve lost.
How much water should a diabetic patient drink?
Keeping blood sugar within a normal range helps the body maintain a healthy fluid balance. Drinking water not only fights dehydration, it can also help the body get rid of excess glucose.
For those who have diabetes, should drink plenty of fluids which is about 1.6 liters (L) or 6.5 cups per day for women. And 2 L or 8.5 glasses per day for men.
To add flavor to plain water, add some fresh lime or lemon juice. However, you should avoid energy drinks, fruit juices, and sodas. These drinks contain a lot of sugar and can increase blood sugar. Sparkling water is fine, as long as it’s sugar free.
(FIR)
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