If you're dehydrated or not drinking enough water, your blood sugar levels may rise. When the body lacks adequate fluids, the water content in your blood decreases, causing the sugar already in your bloodstream to become more concentrated. Because about 92% of blood plasma is water, even mild dehydration can elevate glucose levels.
Think of it like the difference between water and syrup: well-hydrated blood flows more easily, while dehydrated blood becomes thicker and holds a higher concentration of sugar.
While water is a valuable support tool, it is not a treatment for high blood sugar and cannot replace insulin or diabetes medications. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess glucose through urine, and proper water intake also affects hormones such as vasopressin, which influences blood sugar regulation. Research shows that drinking water before meals can help reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
For general guidance, women are advised to consume about 11.5 cups (92 oz) of water per day, and men about 15.5 cups (124 oz).
Bottom line: Staying hydrated won't cure high blood sugar, but it does support healthier glucose levels and helps your body function at its best. Making water a daily priority is one of the simplest, most powerful habits you can build for better health.
Even small increases in daily water intake can make a meaningful difference over time. Consistency matters... your body feels the benefits long before you even notice them.
By Sharon Groves
Sharon Groves covers health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for the ARA newsletter, helping readers make informed decisions about their wellbeing in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
Sharon's right about that water-and-syrup comparison—it really helps explain what's happening inside your body. For folks managing diabetes or prediabetes, this becomes even more important as we age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 26% of adults 65 and older have diagnosed diabetes, and many more have prediabetes without knowing it.
Here's something most people ask me: "Can drinking more water actually help my A1C levels?" While water alone won't replace your diabetes medications like metformin or insulin, staying properly hydrated does support your kidneys in processing excess glucose. Think of it this way—when you're well-hydrated, your body's natural systems work more efficiently, including blood sugar regulation.
The good news is that building this habit doesn't require any special equipment or expensive supplements. Start with one extra glass of water with each meal, and you'll be surprised how much better you feel within just a few weeks.