Diabetes Week 2022 takes place from Monday 13th to Sunday 19th of June. This year it’s celebrating every individual juggling the ups and downs of living with diabetes. From figuring out food labels and menus to treating hypoglycaemia in the middle of the night – the millions living with this life-changing condition face several challenges. Yet one challenge that remains overlooked is dehydration. Since high blood glucose levels lead to decreased hydration in the body, this creates a higher risk of dehydration for those living with the disease. We’ve explored it further in this article.


High Blood Glucose Levels and Dehydration

Hot weather and not hydrating enough is a dangerous combination for those living with diabetes. When a diabetic’s blood glucose levels are too high for long periods of time, their kidneys will attempt to remove excess glucose through peeing. Thirstiness then strikes as a warning to rehydrate the body when the water loss isn’t replenished. Failing to rehydrate the body will make it harder for the kidneys to pass glucose out. As a result, the body draws on alternative stored water sources such as saliva to keep hydrated.

The Signs of Dehydration in Diabetics

Hydration is essential to keeping your body functioning. Your hydration levels transport nutrients to cells, regulate body temperature, prevent infections from developing and keep lungs moistened so you can comfortably breathe. Being optimally hydrated also improves your sleep quality, cognition, and mood. An individual living with diabetes may notice developing symptoms of dehydration when forgetting to drink enough. The main signs include headache, fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, or overall low energy.

Importance of Keeping Active with Diabetes

Staying active makes your body more sensitive to insulin which helps individuals better manage diabetes and helps to control blood sugar levels. Events like parkrun are the perfect way to look after your physical health and mental wellbeing. The most prominent benefit to gain from joining parkrun is the motivation and support you receive from each other. parkrun events offer a positive, welcoming, and inclusive experience where you can go at your own pace. If you're curious about joining, you can find a parkrun event in your local area here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events.


The Right Way to Hydrate

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. Pause if the first thing you do is grab a glass of water, as water further dilutes the electrolytes in our blood. For peak rehydration and optimal osmolality, drinks containing added electrolytes are the recommended choice to replace essential salts and minerals such as sodium and calcium.

iPRO Hydrate is a healthy hydration drink formulated to keep the body hydrated at an optimal level. iPRO Hydrate contains the all-important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium to rebalance fluid and salt levels in the body. Trying to keep optimally hydrated throughout everyday life can be tricky. But as we celebrate Diabetes Week 2022, it has never been more important to raise awareness.

Visit iPRO.Run to explore our low-sugar and naturally sweetened iPRO Hydrate range. Available in a variety of fruity flavours with FREE doorstep delivery!