Dehydration And High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is when you have a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher.
Dehydration has been linked to high blood pressure. However, research into this topic is limited. Additional work is needed to investigate the connection.
Although more research is needed, its still worth noting that dehydration can lead to an increase in blood pressure due to the action of a hormone called vasopressin.
Vasopressin is secreted when theres a high amount of solutes in your blood, or when your blood volume is low. Both of these things can happen when you lose too much fluid.
In response, when youre dehydrated, your kidneys reabsorb water as opposed to passing it in urine. High concentrations of vasopressin can also cause your blood vessels to constrict. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Water And Diabetes: Are You Drinking Enough Water
Staying hydrated is important for everyone especially considering that water makes up more than half of the human body!
60 percent of our body is composed of water, 75 percent in our muscles, 85 percent in our brains, its like oil to a machine, explained Dr. Roberta Lee at Medicine Daily.
But we dont drink enough. According to recent research at the Institute of Medicine, 75 percent of Americans are perpetually dehydrated.
As people with diabetes, drinking enough water is especially crucial. Even a little dehydration during the day can impact our blood sugars.
This article will explain how dehydration affects blood sugar levels, how much water we should drink each day, who should limit their water intake, and what else you can drink if you dont want to just drink plain water.
Foods That Are Rich In Fructose And Increases Blood Pressure
The food which are high in fructose and added sugar are carbonated drinks and beverages, fruits and vegetables like banana, kiwi, cherry, blackberry, mango, tomato, dates, asparagus, beans, broccoli, etc., processed foods like barbeque and pasta, dried fruits, etc. Thus a person who is at increased risk and also those who are already suffering from hypertension must be cautious about the intake of added sugar or fructose in their diet. These people must also try to avoid the processed and packed foods which are generally very high in added sugar. Moreover, in contrary to the earlier belief, they should include salt in their diet so as to utilize its positive effects on the body. However, the quantity must not exceed the limit.
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Dehydration And Kidney Failure
The kidneys rely on sufficient water in the blood to operate properly. Therefore prolonged dehydration can affect the kidneys ability to function. Chronic dehydration may lead to reduced kidney failure and the likelihood will be increased if you have existing impairments in your kidney function.
- Read more on diabetes and kidney disease
What About The Glycemic Index
Your daily carb total, spread steadily across the day, is one key to good blood sugar control. Some people also use the glycemic index , a rating of how individual foods raise blood sugar levels. Beans and whole-grain breads and cereals have a lower GI than white bread and regular pasta. Juice has a higher GI than whole fruit. Craving a high-GI food? Eat it along with a lower-GI choice to help control your levels.
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Can Dehydration Affect Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Although dehydration can lead to serious health issues, not much research has looked at whether chronic dehydration and the associated higher blood sugar may increase the risk of prediabetes and full-blown type 2 diabetes.
There have been a variety of things dehydration has been suggested to contribute to, but not diabetes, Rizza says.
But there may be a connection, says Anna Simos, MPH, a certified diabetes care and education specialist with the Stanford Health Care Diabetes Education and Prevention Program in Palo Alto, California. Indeed, according to a previous study, which monitored healthy adults over nine years, peoples self-reported water intake was inversely associated with a risk of developing high blood sugar. This means that people who reported drinking less than ½ a liter of water per day were more at risk of elevated blood sugar than people who reported more than 1 liter.
Scientists theorize that dehydration can lead to an increase in the hormone vasopressin, which prompts the kidneys to retain water and the liver to produce blood sugar, potentially affecting the bodys ability to regulate insulin over time.
The bottom line: More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between dehydration and diabetes, but hydration likely keeps blood glucose levels a little more stable, Simos says.
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How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day
For most people, simply drinking water when you feel thirsty is adequate, according to recent research.
You may need more than six to eight glasses of water a day if:
- Youre taking a medication that increases your bodys urine output
- You exercise intensely, especially for those involved in endurance training
- Youre in an extremely hot weather
- Youve recently experienced diarrhea or vomiting and need to replenish
- Youre pregnant or breastfeeding
You may need to limit your water intake if:
- You have certain health conditions, including kidney, liver or heart failure
- Youre experiencing symptoms of over-hydration
- Youre taking medications that cause water retention
- Youre taking other medications, including some antidepressants and opiates
- Your doctor has instructed you to reduce water intake for any reason
Talk to your doctor about your personal water consumption goals and concerns!
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Causes Of Low Blood Sugar
There are many reasons why you may have low blood sugar, including:
- Taking too much insulin.
- Not eating enough carbs for how much insulin you take.
- Timing of when you take your insulin.
- The amount and timing of physical activity.
- Drinking alcohol.
- How much fat, protein, and fiber are in your meal.
- Hot and humid weather.
- Unexpected changes in your schedule.
- Spending time at a high altitude.
- Going through puberty.
How To Stay Hydrated If Youre Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Even if scientists still have questions about how dehydration affects the body, staying hydrated is clearly important for good health especially if you have type 2 diabetes.
So how can you make sure youre getting enough water to manage diabetes? Rizza and Simos offer the following tips.
Have some salt but not too much. Too much salt can be bad for blood pressure, Rizza says, but you do need some to maintain proper hydration. When you eat salt, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine, you help stabilize your electrolytes, which are charged substances that regulate essential functions in your body, helping you stay hydrated. If you already have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about how much salt to consume.
Check your blood glucose levels in extreme heat, and drink water if they are elevated. When its hot, its easier to become dehydrated, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Staying well hydrated can help reduce your blood glucose levels, which helps you manage the hormone insulin, Simos explains. And make sure that your blood glucose test strips and insulin are stored in a cool, dry place, she says, so that they dont lose their potency and accuracy.
Reach for hydrating snacks if youre hungry. For example, choose a cold piece of melon or a few frozen grapes, Simos says. Drinking a glass of water isnt the only way to get your fix.
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Why Your Body Needs Water
When your bodys water weight starts dropping below 50 percent for any reason, symptoms of dehydration can develop and even affect your blood sugar level.
Water helps your body function in a variety of ways, including:
- Carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your bloodstream to cells
- Hormone production
- And for people with diabetes: a sudden spike in blood sugar levels
Which Beverages Hydrate The Body And Which Dehydrate
Some beverages are better than others at preventing dehydration. Water is all you need if youre planning to be active in a low or moderate intensity activity, such as walking for only an hour or less. If you plan to exercise longer than that, or if you anticipate being out in the sun for more than a few hours, you may want to hydrate with some kind of sports drink. These replace not only fluid, but also electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are lost through sweating. Too much or too little sodium and potassium in the body can cause trouble. Muscle cramping may be due to a deficiency of electrolytes.
Beverages containing alcohol or caffeine aren’t recommended for optimal hydration. These fluids tend to pull water from the body and promote dehydration. Fruit juice and fruit drinks may have too many carbohydrates, too little sodium and they may upset your stomach.
Adequate hydration will keep your summer activities safer and much more enjoyable. Keep an extra pitcher of water in the refrigerator and add fresh lemons, limes, cucumber or mint for a dash of flavor.
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How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day
Each person has a different correct daily water consumption requirement. It depends on a number of variables, including your weight, level of physical activity, etc.
Based on your unique health situation, talk to your doctor about how much water you should consume each day. Your doctor can examine your medical history, speak with you about your lifestyle, and use this information to determine the best course of action.
Artificial Sweeteners May Alter Blood Sugar Response
Many people with diabetes reach for diet drinks as a substitute for regular soda or juice because they assume that sugar-free beverages won’t raise their blood sugar. But a review published in January 2021 in Frontiers in Nutrition suggested that artificial sweeteners may not be completely neutral after all, and may contribute to impaired glucose homeostasis.
But the research isn’t definitive most government and medical institutions maintain that most artificial sweeteners have no effect on blood sugar. So what could be going on? Mayo Clinic suggests that people can experience a rebound effect when consuming artificial sugars. They consider the sugar-free food healthy, so end up consuming excessive amounts or eating other carb-filled foods because they think the diet drink lets them afford it. The clinic also notes that some noncaloric sweeteners can cause diarrhea, which can contribute to dehydration.
“If you drink a lot of diet soda then you might want to cut back and see if it has an impact on your blood glucose,” says Patty Bonsignore, RN, CDCES, a nurse educator at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. Keep things sugar-free by turning to water or seltzer as opposed to regular soda or juice.
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How Can Parents Help
Nearly every child with diabetes will have an episode of mild hypoglycemia at times. Rarely, an episode will be a serious emergency. You can help make this less likely, and be ready if it does happen. Here are some tips:
- Follow your childs diabetes care plan. This is the best way to keep their sugars in a healthy range. The plan will guide you on the timing of:
- blood sugar checks
If you have questions about how to prevent or treat hypoglycemia, or about the diabetes care plan, call your child’s diabetes health care team.
Tips For Drinking More Water
If you donât like the taste of plain water, there are several easy hacks you can try to increase your fluid intake, such as:
- Sip carbonated or sparkling water instead of plain. Many naturally flavored sparkling waters provide a bit of fruity flavor without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Add sliced fruit, such as lemons, limes, cucumbers, or strawberries to your water.
- When fresh mint is available, infuse water with the leaves and stems for a hint of mint refreshment.
- Cinnamon< sup> 9< /sup> and powdered probiotics< sup> 10< /sup> may also help with glucose regulation. Make a mug of herbal or black tea and drop in a cinnamon stick, or whisk in powdered probiotics into any tea or coffee drink. Read more about the benefits of cinnamon here.
- Tea and coffee count toward your total daily water intake. Just keep an eye on your caffeine intake, as some people can experience increased blood sugar from caffeine.
- Fruits and vegetables contain water as well, which also counts toward your total daily intake. Try low-glycemic produce such as celery, lettuce, cucumbers, watercress, zucchini, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Try drinking more water before, during, and after meals, and adding in more water-packed fruits and veggies to your diet.
Regulating blood sugar can be done at home with a few tweaks to your daily habits.
It starts with adapting a mindset of healthy eating, drinking, and living. Cheers!
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Severe Low Blood Sugar
As your low blood sugar gets worse, you may experience more serious symptoms, including:
- Having difficulty walking or seeing clearly.
- Acting strange or feeling confused.
- Having seizures.
Severe low blood sugar is below 54 mg/dL. Blood sugar this low may make you faint . Often, youll need someone to help you treat severe low blood sugar.
People with diabetes may experience low blood sugar as often as once or twice a week, even when managing their blood sugar closely. Knowing how to identify and treat it is important for your health. Learn how to treat low blood sugar.
Home Remedies For Dehydration
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Drink more glasses of water to provide enough fluids to promote hydration
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Take cool water baths or ice baths to let down the body temperature
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increase intake of fruit juices like orange or watermelon during summer
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Drink coconut water in the hot climates to get instant energy
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Take of fluids like lemon juice that are easily made in home to substitute electrolytes
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Give buttermilk and oral rehydration salts for diabetes as they does not contain any sugar
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Eat bananas as they are rich in water source with 70-80% of water
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Prepare barley water or ragi wate, both contains enough vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to restore your body with energy
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Take salt water daily and avoid alcohol consumption
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Chamomile Tea & Other Tea Drinks
According to a study of people with type 2 diabetes, drinking chamomile tea reduced hemoglobin A1c levels , insulin levels, and measures of insulin resistance .
Drinking chamomile tea may help protect the pancreass cells responsible for making insulin. One of the potential benefits of chamomile tea for diabetes is that it may promote better blood sugar regardless of your bodys insulin secretion .
If youre not a fan of chamomile tea, drinking other unsweetened tea is beneficial for high blood sugar levels. Unsweetened tea doesnt contain carbohydrates and often contains antioxidants from the tea leaves. Antioxidants fight inflammation, which is one of the key drivers of type 2 diabetes.
Adding cinnamon to your tea might also benefit your blood glucose levels. According to studies, taking cinnamon has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels . However, cinnamon wasnt associated with significant reductions in A1c levels among test subjects.
What Is The Difference Between Diabetes Insipidus And Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus are two distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. They share the name diabetes because they both cause increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes comes from the Greek word diabainein, which means go through much like the liquids that quickly go through your body in these conditions.
Diabetes mellitus, most commonly known as Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, happens when your pancreas doesnt make any or enough insulin or your body doesnt use the insulin it makes properly. Your body needs insulin to transform the food you eat into energy.
If your body doesnt have insulin to transform glucose into energy, it starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy instead, which produces a substance called ketones. Too many ketones can turn your blood acidic, so your body tries to get rid of them through your urine. Because of this, symptoms of diabetes often include extreme thirst and frequent urination.
Diabetes insipidus happens when your body doesnt make enough antidiuretic hormone or your kidneys dont use it properly. Your body needs ADH to retain appropriate amounts of water. Without ADH, your body loses water through urine.
Diabetes mellitus is much more common than diabetes insipidus.
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Treatment And Management Of Low Blood Pressure
Determining the cause of low blood pressure is the first step in managing it. For example, if the cause is dehydration from excess fluid losses, getting better control of your blood sugar and staying well-hydrated can help.
For people who get low blood pressure after a meal or after sitting or standing , the following may help:
- Avoiding large meals and eating more frequent smaller meals
- Drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding beverages with a high sugar content
- Avoiding standing for long periods
- Avoiding alcohol
- Standing up slowly
- Using compression stockings or socks
If you feel faint or experience dizziness, its always safest to sit or lie down. This will help to avoid injury in the event of falls or fainting. In autonomic neuropathy, other treatments might be required, such as medications that can help raise blood pressure .
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