Can drinking water lower blood sugar
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Can Drinking Water Lower Blood Sugar?
Introduction to Water Intake and Blood Sugar Levels
The relationship between water intake and blood sugar levels has been a subject of interest in recent research. Various studies have explored whether drinking water can help manage or lower blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential effects of water consumption on blood glucose levels.
Effects of General Water Intake on Blood Sugar
Several studies have investigated the impact of general water intake on blood sugar levels. One study found that drinking water helps in the hydrolysis process, which is crucial for digestion and the transportation of nutrients and waste products, including excess glucose4. Another study observed a slight decrease in fasting blood glucose levels when participants consumed water, suggesting a potential benefit of regular water intake3. However, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more rigorous trials are needed to confirm these findings1.
Alkaline Water and Blood Sugar Reduction
Alkaline water, which has a higher pH level, has been specifically studied for its effects on blood sugar levels. Research indicates that consuming alkaline water can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. One study showed a notable decrease in random blood sugar levels after a 14-day intervention with alkaline water2. Another study reported an average reduction of 51.84 mg/dL in blood sugar levels after participants consumed 2 liters of alkaline water daily for one week5. These findings suggest that alkaline water might be a beneficial non-pharmacological therapy for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Substituting Water for Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with water has also been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar and other metabolic parameters. A study conducted in Mexico found that substituting SSBs with water led to a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among obese participants8. This suggests that increasing water intake while reducing SSB consumption can improve overall metabolic health, which may indirectly benefit blood sugar control.
Limitations and Need for Further Research
Despite some promising results, the overall evidence on the effectiveness of water intake in lowering blood sugar levels is mixed. Some studies have found no significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels with increased water consumption6. Additionally, a systematic review concluded that promoting water intake alone might not be sufficient to reduce SSB consumption and its associated risks9. Therefore, more comprehensive and larger-scale studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Conclusion
While there is some evidence to suggest that drinking water, particularly alkaline water, can help lower blood sugar levels, the results are not yet conclusive. Substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages appears to offer metabolic benefits that could indirectly support blood sugar management. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the potential of water intake as a strategy for controlling blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prevention and Therapy of Type 2 Diabetes—What Is the Potential of Daily Water Intake and Its Mineral Nutrients?
Drinking water and mineral water may have a potential positive effect on glycemic parameters in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, but more large-scale, rigorous trials are needed to confirm this.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalEffectiveness of Alkali Water Consumption to Reduce Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Alkaline water consumption significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but requires support from health personnel and adherence to diabetes mellitus guidelines.
Profile of Fasting Blood Glucose Levels with and Without Drinking Water
Drinking water can decrease fasting blood glucose levels by 4%, influenced by physical activity, nutrition intake, drugs/vitamins, and obesity.
The Effect Of Drinking Water On Hyperglycemia In Diabetes Mellitus
Drinking water regularly and within regulatory limits can help reduce blood glucose levels in diabetes patients, in addition to insulin therapy.
Effect of Alkaline Water Consumption on Decreasing Blood Sugar Levels of Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Alkaline water consumption can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus patients, offering an alternative therapy for controlling blood sugar levels.
Effect of Increased Daily Water Intake and Hydration on Health in Japanese Adults
Increasing daily water intake after waking up and before bedtime in healthy Japanese adults may lower blood pressure, increase body temperature, dilute blood waste materials, and protect kidney function.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalThe Glycemic Effects of Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice intake reduces blood glucose and increases insulin in healthy subjects, with similar effects in individuals with low fasting serum insulin and high fasting serum insulin levels.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalSubstituting Water for Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Reduces Circulating Triglycerides and the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Obese but Not in Overweight Mexican Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages reduces circulating triglycerides and metabolic syndrome prevalence in obese Mexican women, but not in overweight women.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalA Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Promoting Water Intake to Reduce Sugar-sweetened Beverage Consumption (P04-005-19).
Promoting water intake alone shows little evidence of reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalDrinking water with consumption of a jelly filled doughnut has a time dependent effect on the postprandial blood glucose level in healthy young individuals.
Drinking water with a jelly-filled doughnut significantly increases postprandial blood glucose levels, highlighting the need to reconsider eating and drinking habits to lower these risks.
RCT