As diabetics it is important to stay hydrated for better control of the disease. If I knew that in the beginning years of my diabetes, I would have saved myself years of frustration. I love Diet Coke and never use to drink water and that was the problem. The better you hydrate yourself the better your control will be. Lets dive into it…..

How much to stay hydrated

There is no definite amount of water that you should drink daily as every person is unique and different. Everyday water is lost through urination, bowel movement, sweating, and breathing. According to the National Academy of Sciences Engineer Medicine women should drink up to 91 ounces of water and men should drink up to 125 ounces of water daily.

control of blood sugar

Dehydration makes it harder to lower your blood sugar when you are high. When you are dehydrated your body replaces water from the blood stream and that leaves more glucose in your system. This results in higher blood sugars. When you drink water it flushes your system as well. So if you do have high blood sugars it will help flush the extra glucose in your system resulting in lowering your blood sugars.

High blood sugar

When you have high blood sugars you urinate. Excess blood sugar causes more fluids to pass through the kidneys and increases urinary frequency, known as polyuria. This dehydrates the body and causes insulin resistance. Vomiting caused by Diabetic Ketoacidosis dehydrates the body. That is why it is important to make sure you use your glucometer and check your blood sugars consistently. Drinking water well help you flush your body and will help lower your blood sugar.

Drinks that hydrate

Water

Unsweetened tea

Unsweetened coffee

Sugar-free fruit juice

Low-fat milk or Skim Milk

Drinks to stay away from

Beer

Hard Liquor and Wine

Soft drinks

Energy drinks

Take action

Make sure that you get the fluids you need to stay hydrated. It is important to your health and keeps your diabetes in check. I wish I knew about this a long time ago when I was having issues with stable blood sugars. I was a big soda drinker. I discovered that the soda was keeping me dehydrated and was messing up my sugars. Knowledge is power and the more you know about your disease, the better control you will have. Now get out there and do it!