Even just drinking water 'well' makes blood sugar control easier

What happens when a diabetic patient doesn't drink water

Water is an essential component that makes up 60-70% of our body. Fluids exist in various forms within the body and perform a range of functions including nutrient transport, waste removal, metabolism, temperature regulation, lubrication, and body protection. Water also affects blood sugar levels. When water is lacking, blood viscosity increases, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This is why diabetics need to drink water frequently. Research from Nowon Eulji Medical Center's Department of Endocrinology has also shown that the less water people drink, the greater their insulin resistance becomes.

Especially for people taking diabetes medication, it is important to drink water more frequently. The diabetes drug SGLT-2 inhibitors increase urine output. Since more fluids are expelled through urine, it is necessary to drink water again to replenish hydration. Dr. Yang Se-jung from the Department of Endocrinology at Daerim St. Mary's Hospital said, "People taking SGLT-2 inhibitors should consume an additional two to three glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration."

Effects on blood sugar levels as well as weight control

Drinking plenty of water makes blood sugar control easier. Professor Kim Kwang-won of the Department of Endocrinology at Gachon University Gil Medical Center said, "Drinking enough water to ensure smooth blood flow greatly helps in regulating blood sugar." It is also beneficial for weight management. The feeling of fullness from drinking water reduces calorie intake. When you drink water on an empty stomach, gastrointestinal motility and metabolic functions become more active, increasing calorie expenditure. Manager Yang Se-jung stated, "When you drink water with no calories, calories are used to digest that water," and added, "It truly can be considered a diet food."

If high blood sugar persists, symptoms of dry mouth appear. Water also helps prevent these symptoms. Elderly diabetic patients who have difficulty sensing thirst should consciously drink water at least once every two hours, even if they do not feel thirsty. This also helps eliminate toxins and waste products from the body.

I like warm barley tea.

It is good to drink mineral-rich water. Professor Ahn Hye-ji of the Department of Family Medicine at Hanlim University Sacred Heart Hospital said, "If minerals are deficient in the bodies of diabetic patients, metabolic oxidative substances accumulate, adversely affecting blood sugar management," and recommended drinking bottled water that contains a variety of minerals in large quantities. If buying bottled water every day is burdensome, caffeine-free barley tea or brown rice tea are also good options.

How much should I drink? Drink eight glasses a day. Do not drink it all at once; you should sip it gradually throughout the day. Especially for diabetics, it is recommended to drink it during fasting in the morning, before and after meals, and before bedtime. This greatly helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Warm water is preferable if possible. Drinking warm water improves blood circulation. Conversely, drinking cold water suddenly can excessively stimulate the autonomic nervous system, increasing the risk of arrhythmia and other heart problems.

There is something you need to be careful about! If you have diabetic nephropathy, be sure to consult your primary care physician about your water intake. When kidney function is impaired, fluid excretion is not efficient, and drinking excessive amounts of water can increase the risk of pulmonary edema and make you more vulnerable to skin infections. Patients suffering from severe heart failure or undergoing hemodialysis also need to be cautious.