Dehydration is common in people with diabetes, a chronic condition of high blood sugar.
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What Is Dehydration?
When you’redehydrated, you lose more fluid through urination or sweat than you get through food or drink.
Maksim Chernyshev / EyeEm / Getty Images
Your body is about 60% water, which keeps many body systems functioning.
If severe dehydration is not treated, it may lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes?
Here’s how diabetes can make you prone to dehydration.
The kidneys normally reabsorb blood sugar.
Fluid is also drawn out of cells if you are not drinking enough to keep up.
These processes can lead to dehydration.
The glucose remains in your bloodstream because your kidneys can’t keep up.
you might developglycosuria(your urine contains higher than normal amounts of blood sugar).
But when the sweat can’t evaporate due to high humidity, your body works harder to stay cool.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol lowers the amount of a hormone called vasopressin, which suppresses urination.
Less vasopressin in your system means you pee more and lose fluid.
The percentage of alcohol in a drink matters.
Can Caffeine Cause Dehydration?
Expert opinion has evolved on whether caffeine is dehydrating.
You will know you are becoming less dehydrated when your urine becomes lighter in color.
If you are in the sun, get into the shade or into an air-conditioned building.
If you are exercising intensively, slow down and rest while you rehydrate.
Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes Insipidus?
Summary
Dehydration is a very common symptom of diabetes.
Your body is losing more fluid than it’s taking in.
Being very thirsty can be an early sign of high blood sugar.
If you feel moderately dehydrated, slowly drink water or clear liquids, and don’t exert yourself.
If you are in the hot sun, find shade or air conditioning.
Severe dehydration can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical care.
Your health will benefit from staying well-hydrated.
That makes you pee more.
As a result, you lose fluid, making you feel dehydrated.
Sipping water throughout the day and staying away from sugary drinks can help avoid blood sugar spikes.
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