Hydration May Prevent Blood Sugar Problems

Drinking Water Study Suggests Proper Hydration May Reduce Risk of Hyperglycemia

A new study on hydration shows that drinking water – at least four or more 8 ounce glasses per day – could substantially reduce the chances of developing high blood sugar problems (hyperglycemia). French researchers report.

The study followed 3,615 men and women with healthy blood sugar levels for nine years. Participants who drank more than 34 ounces of water per day were 21% less likely to develop hyperglycemia than those who drank 16 ounces or less daily. ^[1]

Researchers took into account factors other than drinking water that can affect the risk of high blood sugar. Sex, age, weight, and physical activity, as well as consumption of beer, sugary drinks, and wine are all factors in the development of hyperglycemia.

Ronan Roussel, MD, PhD, one of the researchers cautions that the study isn’t conclusive. People who drink more water may share some unmeasured factor which could account for their lower risk of developing high blood sugar. Roussel states: “but if confirmed, this is another good reason to drink plenty of water.” About 79 million Americans have elevated blood sugar levels that can lead to health complications and diseases. An additional 26 million have diabetes, according to the CDC.

The Link between Hydration and Hyperglycemia

Roussel points out that recent research has shown an association between a hormone called vasopressin that regulates water in the body and diabetes. According to Roussel, even though it is known that water intake has an impact on vasopressin secretion, there had been no studies done on the possible association between the amount of water people drink and risk of high blood sugar until this study.

Participants in the study were given health examinations every three years, they received a self-administered questionnaire that asked how much water, wine, beer-cider, or other sweet drinks they drank each day. The study participant’s blood sugar levels were measured the beginning of the study and again at the end.

During the study, 565 people developed hyperglycemia.

Roussel says there should be a study of people who don’t drink a lot of water, half of whom would agree to increase their intake over a certain period. The additional research is needed to help confirm the link between drinking water and blood sugar, he says.

James R Gavin III, MD, PhD, clinical professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta states that: “Not drinking enough water could be similar to what we see in people who consume a lot of cholesterol,” Gavin is the chairman of the Partnership for a Healthier America, an initiative to fight childhood obesity.

Alkaline Water Best for Hydration

Research on hydration has suggested that staying hydrated can reduce your risk of health problems like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, digestive problems, and more. According to a study released in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, alkaline water provides superior hydration to plain water and improves your pH balance! ^[2]

References

[1] Laino, Charles. “Diabetes Health Center.” WebMD. WebMD, 30 Jun 2011. Web. 9 Jul 2013. <http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20110630/drinking-water-may-cut-risk-of-high-blood-sugar>.

[2] Heil, D. “Acid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline bottled water.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 7.29 (2010): n. page. Web. 9 Jul. 2013. <http://www.jissn.com/content/7/1/29>.