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Does Drinking Water Lower Your Blood Sugar?

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Does Drinking Water Lower Your Blood Sugar
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Written by:Dr. Ergin
Publish Date:Oct 30, 2023

It is possible to wonder whether drinking water reduces blood sugar levels; however, this is only possible if people engage in this practice. This question has prompted scientists, doctors and many persons around the globe, especially diabetics or those with high blood sugar levels.

In this pursuit of knowledge that would cover pretty much all aspects of this statement, we would also get to hear from people who have tried it out, demystify a few myths and explore a few facts. The question, therefore, is: Are you ready to take the beverage that comes with this knowledge?

Does Drinking Water Lower Your Blood Sugar?

Alright, now let’s get into the specifics. First of all, it is reasonable to ask the question: what basis can be used to state that water consumption can help in reducing blood sugar levels? Well, it isn’t as simple as you may assume, owing to the fact that writing is broader than many people would wish to know.

Using water, in this context, does not suggest that the substance possesses some magical property that brings about the direct lowering of blood sugar. Apart from that, it plays an important role in the elimination of extra sugar from the body In fact. As a result of insufficient water intake, the kidneys’ waste removal system is slowed down and encompasses excessive glucose, among other wastes.

In addition to this, it can bring about low levels of blood sugar when one consumes some sugary snacks or drinks; wait, there is still more good news! Water also helps prevent dehydration.

When an individual lacks enough fluid intake, his/her body releases a hormone known as vasopressin, which makes the liver produce extra amounts of sugar, thus raising blood glucose levels. So, staying well hydrated can indirectly help control those sudden highs and lows in blood sugar levels.

Studies and Research Findings

You might be wondering, “Is all of this scientific?” It is. Many studies have been done on the connection between water intake and blood sugar levels. One discovered that people with diabetes who drank more water not only had better blood glucose levels, but also improved their insulin response. Another looked at how simple a tool water could be when it comes to managing Type 2 diabetes.

So yes — while we know that water isn’t the be-all and end-all – it’s still pretty key in the game of blood sugar management, according to these studies. But let’s not forget about SugarMD Apple Cider Vinegar. This supplement is raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized, so it retains all of its natural nutrients and enzymes during processing. It has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, too and can be a great addition to your water or diet. 

Myths and Misconceptions

But now that we’ve covered the facts let’s debunk some myths. First up: A lot of folks seem to think drinking more water than usual will “soak up” excess blood sugar like a sponge — but that isn’t really true either. While water does help flush out extra glucose through urine, drinking gallons won’t make much difference if you’re already well-hydrated (and peeing) anyway. In fact, chugging too much liquid can lead to something called water intoxication, which dilutes sodium levels in your body and can be life-threatening.

And as for the notion that only plain ol’ pure water can lower blood sugar? Not exactly accurate either; some people believe they need plain or flavored carbonated waters because other types (like soda or juice) may contain additives like sodium or sugar that could raise blood sugars further.

But the truth is, as long as your drink doesn’t contain added sugars or high levels of sodium it can be just as effective at helping manage blood sugar levels — so read those labels and choose wisely. So, does drinking water lower blood sugar? The answer’s yes, but… not exactly. It’s not a magic bullet per se, but rather part of a bigger arsenal to help you effectively manage your blood sugar levels.

How Does Water Lower Blood Sugar?

Let’s start with the most elementary: hydration. You’ve probably heard it a million times — drink more water. But how does staying hydrated help control blood sugar? Well, your kidneys perform best when they’re adequately hydrated. The kidneys are the organs that filter waste from the bloodstream.

One of these wastes is excess sugar (glucose). So, when you drink lots of water, you help your kidneys function optimally so they can get rid of all that unnecessary glucose in your bloodstream. 

Water vs. Sugary Drinks

Now, let's have a chat about drinks. All fluids are not made the same, especially when it comes to their impact on blood sugar levels. Soft drinks and fruit juices with lots of sugar are an example of this. They will immediately raise your blood glucose after consumption. Conversely, water is free from calories and sugar. 

If you need something obvious that can help you regulate your blood sugar then it is changing over to drinking water anytime apart from now. What about diet soft drinks? Though these do not have any sugars present in them they might still influence your insulin sensitivity through artificial sweeteners, so better to stick with the safest option, which is water.

The Mechanism of Action

Okay, let’s get a bit scientific, but not too much. How does water lower blood sugar? When you drink it, water enters your bloodstream and dilutes the concentration of glucose. Your kidneys then filter this weaker blood and remove any extra sugar through urine.

It is a natural and biological process that reduces blood sugar levels. However, don’t think of water as a magic potion. Instead, see it as only one piece in an overall approach, which includes exercising regularly and eating well-balanced meals.

SugarMD Apple Cider Vinegar as a Supplement

Finally, let us talk about SugarMD Apple Cider Vinegar. This apple cider vinegar is not like any other brands out there; it is raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized so that all its natural nutrients and enzymes are preserved during the manufacturing process.

You can add some drops into your drinking water for taste enhancement or even more benefits apart from this fact alone: Studies have shown that taking this can help lower blood sugars within 30 minutes after consumption starts working, therefore suitable for both type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients as well as those with type two DM too; if you want to make your hydration routine healthy quickly change everything about it today by using these pills.

How Much Water to Drink to Lower Blood Sugar?

So, do you think that water helps control blood sugar? What’s the next question? A drink containing how many grams of carbs should I consume in order to lower my blood sugar levels? As a general rule, it is suggested that men should take 3 servings of lean meats per day.

For men, adequate discretionary allowed fluid intake should be 7 liters or 125 ounces and for women, 2. 1,700 milliliters (51 ounces of fluids) per day from both drinks and foods – but there are some recommendations.

Factors Affecting Water Needs

You know, the amount of H2O your body requires varies depending on some factors like; Are you physically active or exercise regularly? If so, then more fluids will be needed to replace what was lost through sweating during exercises.

What about the weather where you stay? Hotter climates or higher altitudes may require an increased intake as well because people living with diabetes tend to urinate frequently, which can lead to faster dehydration, thus necessitating them taking more fluids.

Signs of Dehydration

Now, what happens when I don’t drink enough water? Dehydration isn’t just about being thirsty – it has other symptoms too, such as dry skin and tiredness even confusion sometimes – but here comes the twist: not drinking adequate amounts of liquids can actually raise your blood glucose levels!

When your body becomes dehydrated, there is less fluid in circulation, meaning that this liquid component becomes more concentrated, thereby causing increased concentrations of sugars within it, leading to raised bloodstream sugars. So, knowing early signs of dehydration will enable me to rectify this situation before my sugar goes high up.

Preventing Dehydration

Well, that’s the big question: how can you stop being dehydrated if you’re concerned about the high amounts of sugar in your bloodstream? In general, do not forget to have with you a water bottle wherever you are.

This is the most effective and simplest way of finding a reminder that will encourage the drinking of water throughout the day. Finally, a suggestion that could be given is to set alarms on our phones; technology is one of the biggest aids when it comes to drinking water.

Does Cold Water Lower Blood Sugar?

The Effect of Temperature on Blood Sugar

Let us now address one question: ‘Does cold water lower blood sugar?’ It is an interesting question when considering the functions of our bodies with respect to temperature. It might so happen that cold water can stimulate metabolism, which will affect how fast glucose is processed in the body… but this does not necessarily mean that cold water affects blood sugar directly as we may think.

In general terms, while it gives a little boost to metabolism, the effect on blood sugar levels is usually minor. So next time, if you plan on drinking in freezing temperatures, hoping for rapid relief from high levels of sugar in your body, then think twice about it!

Cold Water vs. Warm Water

Now let’s compare between cold and warm water. Some individuals believe strongly in hot/ warm waters for digestion and metabolic control, whereas others enjoy coolness brought by such liquids, especially after exercises or workouts. However, as far as blood sugar is concerned, neither has any significant advantage over the other because what matters most is being hydrated throughout, regardless of whether one takes either ice-cold or boiling-hot drinks (water).

Both these types of beverages contribute towards quenching our thirsts, thus helping us sustain normal amounts of sugars within our systems therefore stabilizing energy levels throughout the day. Therefore use temperature preference when choosing which drink suits best rather than using them as tools towards managing diabetes condition.

The Role of Exercise

Exercise is a completely different ball game. Physical activity is one of the most efficient ways of reducing blood sugar. The muscles burn glucose for energy during exercise, thus naturally lowering the amount in your blood. Now what has this got to do with cold water?

Well you have to keep hydrated whilst exercising. Dehydration causes tiredness and decreased performance which means that the work-out cannot effectively reduce blood sugar levels as expected. It doesn’t matter if it’s warm or cold – drink up during workouts

Exercise Regularly to Maximize Benefits

You need to be consistent. You can’t go to the gym once and expect a huge drop in your blood sugar levels. Exercise needs to be done consistently for results to show themselves fully; so does drinking water too, by the way!

Keeping yourself well-hydrated boosts performance during exercises, thereby making them more effective at managing blood sugars. If, therefore, you want serious reductions in your glycaemic index through workouts, then make physical activity and hydration part of everyday life.

The Impact of Excess Sugar

How Excess Sugar Affects Blood Sugar Levels

Shall we get straight to the point? What happens when we overdo it on sugar? You might think this is a no-brainer, but trust me – there’s more to it than meets the eye.

High-sugar foods and drinks cause our blood glucose levels to spike suddenly; however, it doesn’t stop with insulin release alone because things can sometimes go awry, especially in people with diabetes who already struggle enough with their own sugars.

The Dangers of Excess Glucose

So why is having a little extra glucose in your blood such a big deal anyway? Because “a little” can quickly turn into “a lot” — and that’s where things start getting dicey.

When there’s too much sugar floating around in your bloodstream, all sorts of problems can develop, from damaged nerves to kidney troubles to impaired vision. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels also contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising heart disease risk and promoting strokes. It’s not just a short-term issue; it’s an ongoing threat to your well-being.

Blood Sugar Spikes and How to Avoid Them

So why is having a little extra glucose in your blood such a big deal anyway? Because “a little” can quickly turn into “a lot” — and that’s where things start getting dicey. When there’s too much sugar floating around in your bloodstream, all sorts of problems can develop, from damaged nerves to kidney troubles to impaired vision.

Over time, elevated blood sugar levels also contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising heart disease risk and promoting strokes. It’s not just a short-term issue; it’s an ongoing threat to your well-being.

The Importance of Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels

You know what they say: you can’t manage what you don’t measure. And when it comes to diabetes (or pre-diabetes), monitoring your blood sugar levels is crucial for understanding how different foods or activities impact YOU specifically.

Regular checks provide valuable feedback and insight – if you see for example, that certain meals always send your levels through the roof, you can choose to avoid them. Testing may also serve as an early warning system if your numbers are heading in a dangerous direction, either too high or too low.

Other Ways to Lower Blood Sugar

Medication and Insulin

Let’s start off with a subject that is often the first line of defense: medicine and insulin. For people with diabetes, medication is often prescribed to help control blood sugar levels. There are different kinds of medicines, each with their own way of working. Some increase insulin sensitivity, others slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, and some even stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Another common treatment is insulin injections, especially for those who have Type 1 diabetes. But remember that medications work best when combined with other methods such as diet and exercise – they are not a stand-alone fix.

Lifestyle Changes

Now, onto lifestyle changes. You’ve probably heard this a thousand times before but it’s worth saying again – lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your blood sugar levels. Exercise regularly, eat well-balanced meals and get enough sleep – these might sound like generic tips for good health, but they are particularly important if you want to lower your blood sugar.

For example, physical activity helps muscles use up glucose, which then lowers the amount of it in your bloodstream, whilst eating meals rich in fibre and low in sugar can also help regulate blood sugars too – oh yes and don’t underestimate how much good quality sleep matters; lack thereof can mess around with insulin sensitivity.

The Role of Fasting Blood Tests

Now, let’s examine fasting blood tests, shall we? These tests are usually done after an overnight fast to measure your blood sugar levels and can give insight into how well your body is managing glucose at rest. If fasting blood sugar levels are raised, it could be indicative that there is a problem within the body using insulin effectively enough to bring them down.

These tests should form part of any good approach to controlling sugars in the body and will enable both you as well as healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about what steps need to be taken next for treatment plans.

High Blood Sugar Levels and How to Lower Them

At last, what should you do if you have a high level of sugar in your blood? The first thing to do is remain calm. Elevated levels are a matter of concern, but they may not always require immediate and radical action. Start by consuming water so that the excess sugar can be flushed out through urine.

Additionally, it is important to avoid eating foods or drinks containing high amounts of carbohydrates or sugars as they might worsen the situation. Exercises can also work well although it would be advisable for one to consult with their doctor when their levels are very high. This could lead to necessary changes in dosage, while extreme cases may call for urgent medical attention.

Conclusion

So here we go! We’ve gone through the science behind it all, debunked some common misconceptions around this topic and even heard from real people – does drinking water lower blood sugar? While H2O alone isn’t some sort of magic cure, maintaining proper hydration is key for good health and can help manage your blood glucose levels, too.

Remember: talk about what’s right for YOU with professionals who know best – healthcare providers will tailor treatments specifically for each person’s needs! So why not grab a glass right now as an initial step towards improved well-being?

Written By Dr. Ahmet Ergin

456 total articles

Meet Dr. Ahmet Ergin, a highly skilled and dedicated endocrinologist with a passion for diabetes care. Dr. Ergin earned his medical degree with honors from Marmara University in Istanbul. He completed internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Ergin is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism due to his vast medical expertise. He's a certified diabetes educator, author of “The Ultimate Diabetes Book,” and founder of “the SugarMD YouTube channel.” Dr. Ergin offers exceptional diabetes care to his patients in Port Saint Lucie, FL, helping them manage effectively. For a closer look into his insights and experiences, connect with Dr. Ahmet Ergin on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.”

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information on this website isn't intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss with your doctor and do not self-treat.

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