Diabetes Management - the Importance of Staying Hydrated when You Have Diabetes

Diabetics should be aware of the important of exercise, nutrition, and medications on their conditions. However, many diabetics are unaware of the huge impact that drinking enough water can have on their diabetes. Diabetics, like everyone, need to stay hydrated in order for their bodies to function properly. However, unlike many nondiabetics, diabetics need to drink water as a regular part of their daily diabetes treatment. Here's why:

Water and toxin filtration

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces isn't sensitive enough to properly metabolize sugars from food that the diabetic consumes. Because the sugars are not properly metabolized, they stay in the blood stream, where they are transported throughout the body. Excess glucose is then released through the body in urine, which is why many diabetics have sweet-smelling urine.

As glucose if transported around the body, the glucose gets into the cells. The kidneys must then step in to filter the glucose from the blood stream, which means that the kidneys work overtime. Water not only helps the kidneys to filter glucose, but water also increases the frequency of urination, which helps to ensure that the kidneys continue to function properly, according to HealthMad.com.

Water and weight loss

Because water helps to hydrate all of the cells of the body, all different parts of the body function better when they have water, as they are properly hydrated. For this reason, it is important for individuals trying to lose weight to drink plenty of water so that all parts of their bodies stay healthy hydrated.

Water can also help to make diabetics feel full, which reduces their food cravings. When diabetics have fewer food cravings, they are less likely to overeat or eat the wrong foods. Water, therefore, helps to keep diabetics saturated, which will help them to consume fewer calories and, therefore, lose weight.

Water filtration systems

There are many different ways to get clean water. Tap water is, for many people, the less expensive and most readily available source of drinking water. Many cities and counties publish information about the cleanliness of the water that you may get from the tap. It's recommended that individuals who drink tap water use a filtration system, such as a water filter pitcher, to help remove some unnecessary elements from the water. However, there are many helpful chemicals, such as fluoride, that are found in tap water, but are not found in bottled water.

Everyone should drink at least eight glasses of water each day. However, diabetics may want to increase this number just to be sure that they are getting the necessary amount of hydration to keep their bodies functioning as properly as possible.

Sources:

http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes-and-water/

http://shop.imtypefree.com/Water-Pitcher-with-Filter-p/cws100a2.htm