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When we talk about diabetes treatment and management, we discuss many important things like diet, exercise, sleep, medications, and follow-ups with the doctor. But we forget to talk about drinking water and maintaining fluid balance. Even mild dehydration can cause a significant increase in blood sugar, which damages the body over time.
Drinking only water may not be enough for people suffering from diabetes. They should also drink electrolyte-rich fluids and glucose in adequate amounts so that the body can absorb it easily.
Why is dehydration dangerous for diabetics?
When the body lacks water, blood sugar becomes more concentrated, resulting in high sugar levels. The kidneys then work harder to produce more urine to filter the blood. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to increased urination, thirst, and dehydration. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin, which prevents blood sugar from getting into the cells to be used as energy.
In such a condition, the liver breaks down fats for fuel, leading to a build-up of acid that can even cause coma. One of the first treatments given to a diabetic ketoacidosis and coma patient is to rapidly infuse fluids into their body. Insulin is only given once they are hydrated.
Signs of dehydration in diabetes
The most common symptoms are excessive thirst and dry mouth. In more severe cases, the skin loses its elasticity. Symptoms include headache, dry eyes, dry skin, dark yellow urine, dizziness, general weakness and exhaustion. Sometimes the symptoms of dehydration are not apparent until the body is in distress. The pulse becomes rapid and weak and may also cause confusion and lethargy.
Can some diabetes medications cause dehydration?
Recently, the use of drugs such as SGLT2 inhibitors has been shown to increase glucose excretion through urine. Therefore, people taking such drugs need to increase their water intake by at least half to one liter per day to stay hydrated.