🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Diabetics should not limit fluid intake. Water contains no calories, and increased fluid intake does not affect blood glucose control. Some believe that drinking more leads to polyuria, thus reducing fluid intake to prevent polyuria—this view is incorrect. First, understand why polyuria occurs in diabetes: elevated blood glucose causes excess glucose excretion through the kidneys, drawing large amounts of water and resulting in frequent urination. Polyuria leads to dehydration, blood concentration, increased viscosity, stimulating the central nervous system to cause thirst and increased drinking—a protective reflex. Restricting fluid intake in diabetics causes blood concentration, preventing adequate removal of excess glucose and toxic waste via urine, which harms health and may even be life-threatening. Experts have conducted experiments showing that after sufficient hydration, urine becomes pale yellow and clear, aiding in elimination of metabolic waste. Modern studies indicate that water deprivation is more likely to cause death in animals than food deprivation. Thus, drinking when thirsty is natural; diabetics should be encouraged to drink more water to eliminate excess waste and glucose. Clinical observations show that hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma can result from insufficient fluid intake. Elderly diabetics often have diminished thirst perception; by the time they feel thirsty, they are already severely dehydrated. Therefore, increasing fluid intake is beneficial. For diabetics with kidney disease, fluid intake should be moderate, and a low-salt diet recommended. This satisfies physiological needs while avoiding sodium and water retention. Good.
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