Living with diabetes involves careful management of blood sugar levels. However, one often overlooked factor that can significantly impact diabetes control is dehydration. Here, we explore how dehydration affects diabetes and provide practical tips to prevent it.

Understanding Dehydration's Effect on Diabetes

• Rise in Blood Sugar Levels: When your body lacks enough water, the blood becomes more concentrated with glucose, causing a surge in blood sugar levels. This can complicate diabetes management and may lead to lasting damage to vital organs like kidneys and heart.
• Increased Frequency of Urination: Higher blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work overtime, leading to frequent urination and further fluid loss, intensifying the dehydration.
• Recognizing Signs of Dehydration: Symptoms spanning from simple thirst and dry mouth to fatigue, dizziness, and dark urine may indicate dehydration. In severe cases, confusion, low blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate may occur. Early recognition of these signs is essential for effective management.
• Potential Complications: Persistent dehydration can lead to serious health issues such as kidney failure and may enhance other diabetes-related complications like heart disease.

Practical Tips to Ward Off Dehydration

• Maintain Adequate Hydration: Aim for about between 2.1–2.7 litres of fluids per day. Water is an optimal choice as it hydrates without adding sugar.
• Monitor Fluid Loss: Take note of circumstances that may increase fluid loss like hot weather, physical exercise or illness. Adjust your fluid intake during these times accordingly.
• Limit Diuretic Substances: Curtail the intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as these can further contribute to dehydration.
• Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Consuming fruits and veggies rich in water content like cucumbers, watermelons, and oranges not only hydrates but also nourishes the body with essential nutrients.
• Recognise Early Signs: Pay heed to early signs of dehydration like thirst and dry mouth. Take corrective action by drinking fluids immediately.
• Plan: Carry a water bottle while going out or exercising. Set reminders to drink throughout the day.

Implementing these strategies can help individuals with diabetes to effectively manage their hydration levels and curb the risk associated with dehydration. Alongside this, consider enrolling in the Apollo Super 6 programme, an initiative designed by Apollo doctors in India to help manage type 2 diabetes through lifestyle modifications and personalised support.