### How Dehydration Affects Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Dehydration can make managing blood sugar levels more challenging for people with diabetes. When the body is dehydrated, it can't pump enough blood to vital organs, leading to impaired function. For those with type 2 diabetes, dehydration can be particularly harmful as it causes blood pressure to drop and stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine to be released, which can raise blood sugar levels. This creates a vicious cycle where high blood sugar leads to more frequent urination, further exacerbating dehydration. A study found that even just three days of inadequate water intake can impair blood sugar response in people with type 2 diabetes. This is likely due to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which prompts the release of glucose. On the other hand, those who consumed the recommended amount of water had better blood sugar control. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 91 ounces of water per day for women and 125 ounces for men, including water from food sources like fruits and vegetables. ### Can Dehydration Increase Diabetes Risk? While dehydration is known to cause various health issues, its direct link to increasing the risk of diabetes is not well-established. However, some studies suggest a potential connection. For instance, a study monitoring healthy adults over nine years found that those who drank less than half a liter of water per day had a higher risk of elevated blood sugar compared to those who drank more than a liter. Scientists theorize that dehydration may increase the hormone vasopressin, which prompts the kidneys to retain water and the liver to produce blood sugar, potentially affecting insulin regulation over time. ### Tips for Staying Hydrated 1. **Moderate Salt Intake**: While too much salt can be bad for blood pressure, a certain amount is necessary to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance. 2. **Monitor Blood Glucose in Heat**: Hot weather can lead to dehydration. Staying hydrated can help manage blood glucose levels and insulin effectiveness. 3. **Hydrating Snacks**: Opt for water-rich foods like melon or frozen grapes to stay hydrated. 4. **Listen to Thirst Signals**: Pay attention to your body's thirst cues to maintain hydration and better manage blood sugar levels. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes and may help keep blood glucose levels more stable.