×
Fastandup Logo

The Role of Electrolyte Drinks in Diabetes Management

Published : Jun 22, 2021 1 mins read Updated On : Mar 20, 2024

About 77 million people in India are affected by diabetes, which is about 17% of the entire population. One of the major lifestyle changes an individual has to incorporate in order to prevent aggravation of the condition is increasing fitness levels through daily exercise. Exercise increases the metabolism which results in increased levels of toxic substances and wastes being excreted from the body. However, in this process, essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, etc. are also excreted from the body, leading to dehydration. All of these electrolytes play an essential role in our bodies and the levels, therefore, need to be replenished in the body.

Electrolyte Drinks for Diabetics

Sports energy drinks which contain some electrolytes usually contain high sugar or harmful sugar substitutes as well in the formulation, which can lead to an imbalance of sugar levels in diabetics. It is therefore important for diabetics to find a healthy electrolyte drink, which can maintain the electrolyte levels in the body without any major fluctuations in the blood sugar level.

Electrolytes have several important functions in our body like balancing the pH levels, transporting wastes outside the body, and regulating function, nutrients, and water levels in all the cells. Electrolyte imbalance can further affect the prerequisite condition of diabetes by irregular reabsorption of glucose, vitamins, minerals, and important nutrients in the body. This can lead to further complications in the body. Conversely, fluctuating blood sugar levels can also affect electrolyte levels. It leads to the movement of water out of cells, causing frequent urination, which in turn depletes essential ions like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Hence, proper rehydration is a must.

The most common symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:

  • Nausea and fatigue
  • Confusion and irritability
  • Muscle cramping and weakness
  • Fast heart rate
  • Diarrhea and constipation

Hydrated drinks should not replace the minimum water requirement of a diabetic per day. The most important function of healthy electrolyte drinks is to maintain the blood sugar and electrolyte levels so they can provide the essential functions in tandem in the body. Keeping the body hydrated is extremely important for diabetics but it must be done in the right way to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Vaishnavi Gadi
Vaishnavi Gadi
Women Health & Nutrition

Vaishnavi is passionate about health and nutrition supplements. She takes serious efforts to update her knowledge about health and wellness, especially women health requirements. She writes article... Read More

Featured in