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Health

Water in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Diabetes is characterized by a disorder of all types of metabolism, including water-salt metabolism. Failures in the absorption of glucose due to insulin deficiency lead to its accumulation in the body. This results in fluid loss and unquenchable thirst. The question arises: should you drink water without restrictions or restrain yourself?

Benefits

The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in many metabolic processes, but its main purpose is to reduce the level of glucose concentration in the blood. Without it, glucose cannot enter the human organs and tissues, which means they are deprived of their main source of energy. Insufficient fluid slows down the transport of insulin, so the benefits of water are obvious - it reduces blood sugar. How much water can you drink with diabetes? Experts answer - without restrictions. [ 1 ]

Contraindications

A lot of water will harm in case of kidney failure, when there is excess fluid in the body, swelling. Mineral waters are considered medicinal, so each of them has its own contraindications. So, "Borjomi", "Donat" should not be drunk in case of exacerbation of gastrointestinal tract pathologies, kidney problems, internal bleeding.

What kind of water can you drink if you have diabetes?

Obviously, you can drink regular water, but you must follow this rule: it must be warm. You need to quench your thirst at any time, even during meals. A few sips will not hurt, but will help the food to be digested. You should drink up to 2 liters during the day, not counting tea, coffee, compotes, first courses. You should start the morning with a glass or two, because during sleep the body was deprived of this.

You can also improve the functionality of the pancreas with the help of water if you drink mineral water.

What mineral waters can you drink if you have diabetes?

Research has shown that drinking mineral water rich in minerals is very useful for diabetes - it activates insulin receptors, accelerating its synthesis. Metabolic reactions depend on the rate at which insulin enters the blood. This is the basis for water treatment of the disease. What mineral waters can be drunk with diabetes:

  • table water - slightly mineralized, you can drink it in unlimited quantities, it does not have a healing effect on the organ, but it helps cleanse it of waste and toxins;
  • Donat water - contains chromium, zinc, selenium, necessary for stimulating insulin synthesis, and hydrocarbonates, regulating the constancy of the blood reaction. Drink it 15-20 minutes before a meal in a volume of 150-200 ml and after a few hours a decrease in blood sugar levels by a third is noted, in addition, cholesterol and blood pressure indicators fall. A full course of treatment leads to a decrease in the insulin dose and a 2-fold increase in the number of its receptors on the cell membrane;
  • Essentuki water - named after the city where it is extracted. All sources are numbered and appear in the name. Essentuki-4 water is used to treat diabetes. This is a sodium hydrocarbonate-chloride water with increased mineralization. Sodium in it is responsible for the normalization of metabolic processes, magnesium is involved in protein and carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting depends on potassium, it also resists inflammation.

The water should be warm (25-35 0 C), and it should be drunk an hour before meals in a volume of 100-200 ml. All the nuances of use depend on concomitant diseases and are determined by the doctor.

  • alkaline water - it is used to treat diabetes in some countries. It is believed that pancreatic juice itself is alkaline, so increasing alkaline ions will help neutralize the aggressive effect of acids on the organ and create a favorable microclimate for its functioning;
  • "Borjomi" - is used for diabetes of any type as a supporting natural therapy. Hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, chlorine ions, sodium bicarbonate, sulfuric acid salts - all this promotes carbohydrate metabolism, normalizes insulin activity;
  • carbonated water - sweet soda is harmful to everyone, not to mention diabetics. In addition to the fact that carbon dioxide in its composition irritates the gastric mucosa and provokes excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid, it also contains a lot of sugar, flavorings, preservatives, caffeine. This "explosive mixture" with frequent use can deplete the pancreas and cause diabetes. Carbonated mineral water reduces the level of acetone, cholesterol, helps to lose weight, improves the production of enzymes involved in metabolism. But you can't drink it uncontrollably, only in courses, because there are also negative aspects: it prevents the absorption of calcium, causes flatulence, provokes the formation of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys;
  • water with lemon - the whole palette of useful properties of citrus is very useful for diabetics: strengthening the immune system, thanks to vitamin C, a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, cleansing the body of waste products. At the same time, lemon is a sour fruit, and acid has a negative effect on the pancreas. The solution is water with lemon.

It can be prepared as follows: cut one fruit into pieces and pour a glass of water, boil for 5 minutes. After cooling, strain, drink after meals, one tablespoon at a time. To quench thirst, you can simply acidify regular water with squeezed juice;

  • Hydrogen water - enriched with hydrogen, it exhibits antioxidant activity, resisting dangerous diseases, has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates energy metabolism. The hydrogen molecule is characterized by a small size, which allows it to easily penetrate cell membranes and deliver nutrients to all organs. Numerous studies have proven that regular consumption of hydrogen water reduces blood glucose levels;
  • honey water - honey for diabetes is allowed in very limited doses (no more than 2 tablespoons per day). There is another form of its consumption - dilute in water (a spoon per glass of warm water, not exceeding 60 0 C). Honey water is recommended to drink at night, because it is good for calming and allows you to fall asleep quickly;
  • living water - has a structured structure, has a high penetrating ability, allowing to cleanse cells from toxins and waste, and in general, to obtain a healing effect.

It does not contain harmful chemicals, dangerous microorganisms, it contains useful mineral ions, negative oxidation-reduction potential, it is alkaline. All this will have a beneficial effect on the health of a diabetic.

Living water can be made at home by freezing and thawing, magnetization, or using a special stone - shungite.

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