This year marks 100 years since insulin as a treatment for diabetes was discovered. That means it’s been a century since one of the greatest medical breakthroughs was achieved, saving millions of lives living with this life-changing condition. For World Diabetes Day 2021, we’re raising awareness of the connection between diabetes and dehydration. And exploring why individuals living with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of becoming dehydrated.
 
 
Diabetes and Dehydration: The Connection 
 
Hot weather, dry indoor heating and a lack of hydrating fluids are all dangerous for those living with diabetes. When a diabetic’s blood glucose levels are abnormally high for long periods, their kidneys will attempt to remove surplus glucose and pass it out through urine. Thirstiness then strikes as a warning to rehydrate the blood when the water loss isn’t replenished. Failing to rehydrate the body will make it harder for the kidneys to pass glucose out of the blood through urine. As a result, the body draws on alternative stored water sources such as sweat, saliva, and tears, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
 
Diabetes ketoacidosis stems from a severe lack of insulin in the body. As the body can’t use glucose for energy anymore, it begins to use fat. This releases high levels of ketone chemicals, which dangerously causes the blood to become acidic. High ketone levels are mostly found in individuals who have type 1 diabetes, although it can affect type 2 diabetes as well. High ketone levels and dehydration are dangerous conditions and can lead to a diabetic coma if left untreated. If discovered early, diabetic ketoacidosis can often be treated with extra insulin and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids.
 
 
Diabetes Insipidus and Dehydration 
 
Diabetes insipidus is a rare form of diabetes unrelated to high blood sugar levels. Because the body loses its ability to regulate water levels, the individual is at greater risk of dehydration. Although diabetes insipidus is unconnected to blood glucose levels, the symptoms remain similar: frequent urination and acute thirstiness. Too many toilet trips mean the body is passing out too much urine, resulting in dire dehydration. Excessive minerals passed out in urine can also cause crystals to form in the kidneys, contributing to certain kidney diseases, such as kidney stones. To combat this, people living with diabetes insipidus need to consume plenty of hydrating fluids every single day. 
 
 
Effectively Treating Dehydration 
 
For those living with diabetes, it’s wise to avoid sugary fluids such as concentrated fruit juice or soda as they can exacerbate the symptoms of dehydration. Drinking electrolyte-rich fluids is highly recommended to replace the essential salts and minerals  - such as sodium and calcium - lost through urine. iPRO Hydrate is a low-sugar hydration drink with added electrolytes. Unlike existing isotonic drinks on the market containing excessive amounts of non-nutritive sweeteners, iPRO Hydrate is sweetened with plant-based Stevia extract. iPRO Hydrate also contains a nutritious balance of antioxidant vitamin C and vitamins B5, B6, B7, and B12 which are known to treat diabetic neuropathy. Available in four delicious flavours; Berry Mix, Orange & Pineapple, Citrus Blend, and Mango - the iPRO Hydrate range is vegetarian and vegan friendly.
 
 
Visit iPRO.Direct to explore the plant-based sweetened, nutritious iPRO range. Available in a variety of fruity flavours with FREE doorstep delivery!