Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Dehydration?Dehydration and DiabetesTreatmentWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration and Diabetes
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’redehydrated, you’re losing more fluid than you’re taking in, which affects how well your body functions. Dehydration is common in people with diabetes, a chronic condition of high blood sugar. As a result, you may feel extremely thirsty and urinate less frequently, and severe dehydration can be dangerous.
This article will explain the connection between dehydration and diabetes, why it happens, what to do about it, and when it’s critical to see a healthcare provider.
Maksim Chernyshev / EyeEm / Getty Images
When you’redehydrated, you lose more fluid through urination or sweat than you get through food or drink. Your body is about 60% water, which keeps many body systems functioning.
If you don’t have enough fluid in your body, it’s not just that you feel thirsty—it affects your brain, joints, temperature, digestion, and virtually every other system that keeps you going.
When Dehydration Is Dangerous for People With DiabetesIf you become severely dehydrated and have diabetes, it can make your blood sugar spike and lead to complications that can be life-threatening. If you feel faint, are not urinating, have arapid heartbeator respiration, or feel confused, seek emergency medical care or call 911.If severe dehydration is not treated, it may lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
When Dehydration Is Dangerous for People With Diabetes
If you become severely dehydrated and have diabetes, it can make your blood sugar spike and lead to complications that can be life-threatening. If you feel faint, are not urinating, have arapid heartbeator respiration, or feel confused, seek emergency medical care or call 911.If severe dehydration is not treated, it may lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
If you become severely dehydrated and have diabetes, it can make your blood sugar spike and lead to complications that can be life-threatening. If you feel faint, are not urinating, have arapid heartbeator respiration, or feel confused, seek emergency medical care or call 911.
If severe dehydration is not treated, it may lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes?
Dehydration is very common in people withdiabetes, and extreme thirst, a sign of dehydration, is one of the condition’s three major symptoms.Even if you haven’t been diagnosed, thirst can be an early sign that your blood sugar, or glucose, may be high.
Here’s how diabetes can make you prone to dehydration. The kidneys normally reabsorb blood sugar. But if blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys can’t keep up, and sugar passes into the urine, along with more fluid.You pee more. Fluid is also drawn out of cells if you are not drinking enough to keep up. These processes can lead to dehydration.
If you are mildly dehydrated, you may:
Chronic Dehydration: How to Rehydrate With Ongoing Symptoms
Not Drinking Enough Water
Everyone needs to drink sufficient amounts of water, but if your blood sugar is high, it makes you urinate more, so you have more fluid to replace. You can get dehydrated if you are not drinking enough water or clear liquid to compensate for the additional fluid loss.
The medical term forexcessive thirstispolydipsia, which you feel when your body is signaling you to replace the liquid.
Hypertonic Dehydration: What Happens?
Intense Exercise
Sweating from intense physical activity makes anyone lose fluid, but if you have diabetes, it can dehydrate you for another reason. While moderate exercise can lower your blood sugar, when you push yourself hard, your muscles can’t use insulin (the substance that moves glucose from your bloodstream into your cells) as efficiently.
The glucose remains in your bloodstream because your kidneys can’t keep up. You can developglycosuria(your urine contains higher than normal amounts of blood sugar).
Hot, Humid Weather
But when the sweat can’t evaporate due to high humidity, your body works harder to stay cool. That means you sweat more, blood circulation increases, you breathe faster, and your body temperature may rise.These factors can reduce the amount of fluid in your body.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol lowers the amount of a hormone called vasopressin, which suppresses urination. Less vasopressin in your system means you pee more and lose fluid.
The percentage of alcohol in a drink matters. Beer can have a less dehydrating effect than spirits because beer typically has about 5% alcohol, while spirits can be over 50% alcohol.
Can Caffeine Cause Dehydration?Expert opinion has evolved on whether caffeine is dehydrating. The idea originated in a 1928 study, which assumed that caffeine is dehydrating because it makes you urinate.However, a 2014 study asserted that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine was not dehydrating.There is evidence that caffeine consumption may even lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.However, be aware of how much sugar and cream are in your coffee, which can raise your blood sugar.
Can Caffeine Cause Dehydration?
Expert opinion has evolved on whether caffeine is dehydrating. The idea originated in a 1928 study, which assumed that caffeine is dehydrating because it makes you urinate.However, a 2014 study asserted that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine was not dehydrating.There is evidence that caffeine consumption may even lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.However, be aware of how much sugar and cream are in your coffee, which can raise your blood sugar.
Expert opinion has evolved on whether caffeine is dehydrating. The idea originated in a 1928 study, which assumed that caffeine is dehydrating because it makes you urinate.However, a 2014 study asserted that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine was not dehydrating.
There is evidence that caffeine consumption may even lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.However, be aware of how much sugar and cream are in your coffee, which can raise your blood sugar.
Treatment and Management of Dehydration
If you have diabetes and feel symptoms of dehydration, start drinking clear fluids (preferably water) slowly. Other liquids, like sports drinks, can contain a lot of sugar, so water is your best bet.
You will know you are becoming less dehydrated when your urine becomes lighter in color. If you are in the sun, get into the shade or into an air-conditioned building. If you are exercising intensively, slow down and rest while you rehydrate.
Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes Insipidus?Diabetes insipidusis a rare condition in which your body doesn’t regulate fluids the way it should due to hormone imbalance. It shares some symptoms of diabetes mellitus, including extreme thirst and potential dehydration, but it is a different disease.
Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes Insipidus?
Diabetes insipidusis a rare condition in which your body doesn’t regulate fluids the way it should due to hormone imbalance. It shares some symptoms of diabetes mellitus, including extreme thirst and potential dehydration, but it is a different disease.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as trouble breathing, feeling confused or faint, or feeling like your heart is pounding and you’re breathing fast, seek immediate medical care.Severe dehydration can be fatal.
In an emergency setting, healthcare providers can take your vital signs and check your electrolyte (mineral) balance and kidney function. They can address blood sugar levels if they are too high or low and give you fluids through an intravenous (IV) line to reduce dehydration.
Summary
Dehydration is a very common symptom of diabetes. Your body is losing more fluid than it’s taking in. If your blood sugar is high, your body will work overtime to eliminate it through urination, losing more fluid. Being very thirsty can be an early sign of high blood sugar.
If you feel moderately dehydrated, slowly drink water or clear liquids, and don’t exert yourself. If you are in the hot sun, find shade or air conditioning. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical care.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults Older Than 65
A Word From Verywell
Diabetes can be a complex condition, and the higher risk of dehydration is a complicating factor. Your health will benefit from staying well-hydrated.
Talk to a healthcare provider about how many ounces of water you should drink each day if you’re not sure. Having a clear goal is good, so you can benefit from consuming plenty of the most important fluid out there.
Learn MoreWhat Is Diabetes Mellitus?
If your blood sugar isn’t well controlled, you may find you are frequently urinating as your body tries to get rid of the excess blood sugar in your bloodstream.Learn MoreHow Untreated Diabetes Affects Your Body
If your blood sugar isn’t well controlled, you may find you are frequently urinating as your body tries to get rid of the excess blood sugar in your bloodstream.
Learn MoreHow Untreated Diabetes Affects Your Body
Yes, dehydration can raise your blood sugar levels because glucose becomes more concentrated when there is less fluid in your body. Sipping water throughout the day and staying away from sugary drinks can help avoid blood sugar spikes.Learn MoreHow to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes
Yes, dehydration can raise your blood sugar levels because glucose becomes more concentrated when there is less fluid in your body. Sipping water throughout the day and staying away from sugary drinks can help avoid blood sugar spikes.
Learn MoreHow to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Department of the Interior.The water in you: water and the human body.RCSB Protein Data Bank.Diabetes mellitus.Diabetes.co.uk.Dehydration and diabetes.MedlinePlus.Dehydration.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Managing diabetes in the heat.Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, as a sign of diabetes.Adams OP.The impact of brief high-intensity exercise on blood glucose levels.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes.2013;6:113-122. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S29222.Buoite Stella A, Yardley J, Francescato MP, Morrison SA.Fluid intake habits in type 1 diabetes individuals during typical training bouts.ANM. 2018;73(1):10-18. doi:10.1159/000489823University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer safety: how to stay hydrated as heat, humidity increases.UMPC Health Beat.Effects of humidity on your body.National Institute of Standards and Technology.How do you measure the percentage of alcohol in beer, wine and other beverages?Eddy NB, Downs AW.Tolerance and cross-tolerance in the human subject to the diuretic effect of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.J Pharmacol Exp Ther.1928;33(2):167-174.Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM.Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: a systematic review of clinical trials.J Tradit Complement Med.2018;9(3):184-191. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Department of the Interior.The water in you: water and the human body.RCSB Protein Data Bank.Diabetes mellitus.Diabetes.co.uk.Dehydration and diabetes.MedlinePlus.Dehydration.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Managing diabetes in the heat.Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, as a sign of diabetes.Adams OP.The impact of brief high-intensity exercise on blood glucose levels.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes.2013;6:113-122. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S29222.Buoite Stella A, Yardley J, Francescato MP, Morrison SA.Fluid intake habits in type 1 diabetes individuals during typical training bouts.ANM. 2018;73(1):10-18. doi:10.1159/000489823University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer safety: how to stay hydrated as heat, humidity increases.UMPC Health Beat.Effects of humidity on your body.National Institute of Standards and Technology.How do you measure the percentage of alcohol in beer, wine and other beverages?Eddy NB, Downs AW.Tolerance and cross-tolerance in the human subject to the diuretic effect of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.J Pharmacol Exp Ther.1928;33(2):167-174.Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM.Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: a systematic review of clinical trials.J Tradit Complement Med.2018;9(3):184-191. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Department of the Interior.The water in you: water and the human body.RCSB Protein Data Bank.Diabetes mellitus.Diabetes.co.uk.Dehydration and diabetes.MedlinePlus.Dehydration.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Managing diabetes in the heat.Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, as a sign of diabetes.Adams OP.The impact of brief high-intensity exercise on blood glucose levels.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes.2013;6:113-122. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S29222.Buoite Stella A, Yardley J, Francescato MP, Morrison SA.Fluid intake habits in type 1 diabetes individuals during typical training bouts.ANM. 2018;73(1):10-18. doi:10.1159/000489823University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer safety: how to stay hydrated as heat, humidity increases.UMPC Health Beat.Effects of humidity on your body.National Institute of Standards and Technology.How do you measure the percentage of alcohol in beer, wine and other beverages?Eddy NB, Downs AW.Tolerance and cross-tolerance in the human subject to the diuretic effect of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.J Pharmacol Exp Ther.1928;33(2):167-174.Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM.Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: a systematic review of clinical trials.J Tradit Complement Med.2018;9(3):184-191. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001
Department of the Interior.The water in you: water and the human body.
RCSB Protein Data Bank.Diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes.co.uk.Dehydration and diabetes.
MedlinePlus.Dehydration.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Managing diabetes in the heat.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, as a sign of diabetes.
Adams OP.The impact of brief high-intensity exercise on blood glucose levels.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes.2013;6:113-122. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S29222.
Buoite Stella A, Yardley J, Francescato MP, Morrison SA.Fluid intake habits in type 1 diabetes individuals during typical training bouts.ANM. 2018;73(1):10-18. doi:10.1159/000489823
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer safety: how to stay hydrated as heat, humidity increases.
UMPC Health Beat.Effects of humidity on your body.
National Institute of Standards and Technology.How do you measure the percentage of alcohol in beer, wine and other beverages?
Eddy NB, Downs AW.Tolerance and cross-tolerance in the human subject to the diuretic effect of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.J Pharmacol Exp Ther.1928;33(2):167-174.
Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154
Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM.Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: a systematic review of clinical trials.J Tradit Complement Med.2018;9(3):184-191. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001
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