Four Glasses of Water Daily to Prevent Diabetes
Core Tip: According to a foreign media report, a new French study claims that drinking four glasses of water (227g/glass) daily can prevent hyperglycemia (pre-diabetes). Conversely, drinking less than two glasses of water a day increases the risk of this disease.
According to a foreign media report, a new French study claims that drinking four glasses of water (227g/glass) daily can prevent hyperglycemia (pre-diabetes). Conversely, drinking less than two glasses of water a day increases the risk of this disease.
Researchers from Paris Bichat Hospital surveyed 3,615 male and female participants. The participants received a health survey every three years, which included their daily intake of water, wine, beer, cider, and sweetened beverages. The study lasted for 9 years, during which the researchers tested the participants' blood sugar levels.
At the start of the study, all participants had normal blood sugar levels. However, 565 cases of hyperglycemia were identified during the study period. The results showed that compared to participants who drank less than 16 ounces (approximately 454g) of water per day, those who drank more than 34 ounces (approximately 964g) per day had a 21% lower risk of developing hyperglycemia.
Dr. Ronan Roussel, the lead researcher of the new study and a medical professor, stated that the new analysis also considered other hyperglycemia risk factors such as gender, age, physical activity, and consumption of beer, sweetened beverages, and red wine. Although the study did not prove a causal relationship between insufficient water intake and hyperglycemia, it did find that drinking more water does reduce the risk of developing hyperglycemia.
Dr. Roussel pointed out that recent research has found a link between vasopressin, a hormone that regulates the body's water balance, and diabetes. Water intake directly affects the secretion of vasopressin. Insufficient water intake can trigger an increase in vasopressin, which in turn directly leads to higher blood sugar levels. Dr. Roussel emphasized that water should not be replaced with sweetened beverages, as they are more likely to lead to obesity and uncontrolled blood sugar. Additionally, individuals with a tendency for high blood sugar should also try to control their alcohol consumption.
Dr. James R. Gavin Jr., a clinical professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in the United States, stated that the association between water intake and hyperglycemia needs further confirmation. The impact of insufficient water intake on type 2 diabetes is very similar to the effects of excessive cholesterol intake. People who consume large amounts of cholesterol and fat are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.