The Practical Aspects

Liquid Necessities

Water is more than a thirst quencher. It is a vehicle for carrying nutrients to cells and also acts as a natural lubricant to limbs and joints. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Water helps filter waste and remove it from the body, promoting regularity and preventing kidney stones.

Why In Diabetics?

Recently one of the leading medical journals reported that people with Type2 diabetes could lower their blood sugar significantly by increasing the amount of water-soluble fiber in their diets, which also helps with eliminating waste. For this, water intake is essential, as it helps to keep things moving through the system.

When people with diabetes have an excess intake of carbohydrates, they experience a terrific thirst. Actually, thirst arises because the body is already drawing on its existing supply of water to flush out those sugars, which cannot pass out on their own. Instead, they siphon water out of the body. When blood sugar goes up, it starts a diuretic effect, resulting in excessive water loss.

Furthermore, it leads to frequent urination, which is another common diabetes symptom. This leads to dehydration and excessive thirst, which is unrelieved until the blood sugar is lowered. Once this is achieved, water replenishment will help.

People with diabetes should strive for at least eight glasses, or up to 12 or more (as much as a quart an hour) if you are physically active or exercising. If you need a reminder, drink a glass after every trip you make to the bathroom. You can detect whether you're consuming enough water, as your urine color should be pale, almost clear. A dark yellow color means you need more fluids.

Some Facts

Water is estimated to make up 70 percent of our body weight and 85 percent of the brain. This underlines the need for everyone to drink adequate amounts to avoid dehydration. This is all the more true in the case of those with diabetes.

Studies reveal that 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and out of that, in 37 percent, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even slight dehydration can slow down the metabolism and can lead to fatigue. More often than not lack of water is the primary cause of daytime fatigue. When people with diabetes have such conditions, it has a double impact effect.

10 to 12 cups of water is lost daily through breathing, perspiration and body wastes. Only drinking more water can compensate for this loss and thankfully it enters blood stream even more rapidly than most drinks. Diet having high water content, like fresh fruits and vegetables are also helpful but beverages such as tea, coffee and certain soft drinks actually do more harm than good. This is particularly true of those drinks, which contain caffeine as it leaches water out of the body.

It is often said that you should not wait until you are thirsty to drink water, as dehydration may have already set in by the time one feels thirsty.

Associated Hazards!

Diabetic patients might have increased urinary frequency and it is only natural for them to feel apprehensive about increasing their fluid intake. Obviously no one would fancy stuck in traffic in a situation like this without rest-room facilities at hand.

It goes without saying that if a person is unsure of the rest-room facilities, it is best to avoid drinking water at least two hours in advance. It should also be noted that during summer when temperature is high most of the water would be eliminated from the system as perspiration rather that urine.

Furthermore if the blood sugar is well controlled, urinary frequency should not be an matter to be worried about. Hence it is not advisable for a person with diabetes to restrict fluid intake. One possible alternative for diabetics is to have smaller quantities of water. This consistent intake in smaller amounts reduces the need for bathroom but at the same time keeps you well hydrated.

Why it can’t be avoided

Water helps maintain the electrolyte balance in our bodies as it prevents dehydration. Without enough water, blood thickens and can't reach small blood vessels, causing depletion of sodium and other minerals, which threatens the body's chemical and electrical systems.

By preventing dehydration, water also guards against such symptoms as headache, fatigue, weakness and muscle cramps. Athletes know that even mild dehydration can produce cramps, and that water helps prevent injury by cushioning joints and protecting organs and tissues.

During illness, diabetic patients are often advised to drink liquids that have sugar in them to maintain blood-sugar levels. It is extra important at times like this to try to drink up to 12 eight-ounce glasses of liquid per day as it will help to compensate for the fluid loss through vomiting.

Weight reduction plays an important role in diabetes management and it is known fact that water intake is a significant aspect of many weight reduction programs.

Caution

Since those with diabetes might have other complications, moderation is needed. In the presence of heart disease, vascular disease, lung disease or renal disease, profuse fluid intake may not be a good idea.