What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects more than 37 million Americans, and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t respond to insulin normally, also known as insulin resistance. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious health problems, like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

The Importance of water

The human body contains roughly eleven gallons of water, broken down into these fractional parts:

• Blood is 85% water

• Muscle is 80% water

• The brain is 75% water

• Bones are about 25% water
  
  

Altogether, water makes up about 66% of the human body, which means staying properly hydrated can make a huge difference in your health.  If you're not regularly replenishing water lost from the body, dehydration will occur.  Water is essential for maintaining a happy and healthy life!

Despite how essential being hydrated is for our health, it is estimated that 75% of Americans are dehydrated. 

Symptoms of dehydration

Common symptoms of dehydration include:

• Headaches

• Dry mouth

• Difficulty sleeping

• Dry skin

• Low blood pressure

• Lethargy

• A weakened pulse

If left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to kidney failure, seizures, and even death. If you are concerned about the lasting impact of chronic dehydration on your health, contact your GP. 

Dehydration and Type 2 Diabetes

Like type 2 diabetes, dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise. When your body is dehydrated, you produce more concentrated urine - this can cause your kidneys to reabsorb glucose that would normally be excreted in urine - this is known as glycosuria. 

Neuropathy is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. If you have over the normal amount of blood sugar in your body, the excess blood sugar has to go somewhere. So where does this extra blood sugar go? 

It attacks your nerves. 

Think about your arteries and veins like a big river. That will almost always flow in some capacity. It is the creeks and the streams off the river that feed the nerves. That is called micro-circulation. If you cannot get blood flow to nerves, what happens?   The nerves die. Well, in order to even think about healing them, micro- circulation has to improve to allow proper blood flow and nutrition to the nerves. One big step in that is HYDRATION.

Proper hydration is also important for many body functions, such as:

• Keeping your body temperature at normal levels

• Carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your bloodstream to cells

• Lubricating your joints

• Hormone production

• Bowel movements

• Passing toxins and waste thru urine and sweat

• Metabolizing food

• Producing saliva

• Protecting your joints/organs/bones thru shock absorption

• And so much more!

Tips for staying hydrated

Preventing dehydration is important for people with type 2 diabetes. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and hydrated:

• Drink plenty of water: Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you are exercising or in a hot environment.

• Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks can cause blood sugar levels to spike and can contribute to dehydration. Stick to water or other sugar-free drinks.

• Eat water-rich foods: Foods such as fruits and vegetables are high in water and can help keep you hydrated during the day.

• Monitor your blood sugar levels: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help you identify when they are too high or too low and take appropriate action.

• Keep track of your water consumption: Keep a water journal or notes in your phone to track how much water you are actually consuming. 

• Start your day with water: While your morning cup of coffee is brewing, consider starting your day right with your first cup of water for the day.

• Try flavored water: Add some fruit or cucumbers to your water. Or even try flavored sparkling water. 

By now, you get it- hydration is key to overall health! 

Lasting neuropathy relief

Many people living with type 2 diabetes also suffer from a chronic condition called Neuropathy. Without treatment, symptoms of neuropathy will progressively worsen.

While there is no cure or quick fix for neuropathy, our proven Neuropathy Relief Program has seen success time and time again at:

• Reducing pain and numbness

• Improving balance and mobility

• Improving quality of life and overall health

• Helping clients to regain their freedom and independence

With hundreds of clients, and a 95%+ success rate, you can trust your health in our hands and finally get back to living life on your terms. 

To connect with a relief expert today and see what relief options are available to you, give us a call today at 517-883-2291. We would love the chance to help you get the lasting relief that you deserve.