Does drinking water on an empty stomach increase or decrease blood sugar levels?
Disease description:
I have diabetes and pay close attention to changes in my blood sugar levels in daily life. This morning, I measured my blood glucose after fasting and drinking water, and noticed some fluctuation. I'm not sure and would like to know whether drinking water on an empty stomach raises or lowers blood sugar levels.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Drinking a small amount of water on an empty stomach generally does not have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. However, consuming a large volume of water quickly while fasting may potentially lower blood glucose.
When only a small amount of water is consumed while fasting, it typically does not significantly affect blood sugar levels. This is because the dilution effect of a small amount of water on the blood is minimal and insufficient to alter blood glucose concentration. Appropriate water intake helps dilute the blood, improve circulation, and contributes to maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
In certain situations, such as drinking sugar-sweetened beverages or drinks containing artificial sweeteners, blood sugar levels may be affected. For individuals with diabetes, consuming large amounts of cold water on an empty stomach may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and trigger sympathetic nervous system activation.
Furthermore, when a large volume of water enters the body, it can cause a rapid dilution of the blood, increasing blood volume temporarily. As a result, the concentration of glucose in the blood may also be diluted and decreased. This could potentially lead to a lower fasting blood sugar reading.
Maintaining healthy eating habits and a regular lifestyle is beneficial for effective blood sugar management.
