Maintaining hydration levels in the body is one of the common concerns among people, especially in people with Diabetes. Drinking sufficient water hydrates the body and also regulates digestion. Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration and poor absorption of minerals. A recent study conducted in the U.S. has tried to understand the association between the amount of water intake and blood sugar regulation in people with Diabetes. The study has appeared in the journal Nutrition Research.
The study was conducted on nine men of age 44 to 62 years and who have Type 2 Diabetes. Their blood sugar levels were noted in both normal water intake and reduced water intake states. The results have shown that reduced water intake for even three days had acutely increased the blood sugar levels of the participants. Their body weight had increased and also their serum albumin levels were found to be high.
The study has found that vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate water retention in the body, is responsible for this. It was observed that when water intake was lowered, the vasopressin hormone causes the kidney to conserve excess water. This affects glucose expulsion from the body and leads to high blood sugar levels. It is recommended that people, in general, should drink 2.5-3 litres of water every day.
Source: Nutrition Research