The Claim: Drinking May Help Lower The Risk Of Diabetes

FACTS

There are many reasons to stay properly hydrated, but only recently have researchers begun to consider a diabetes prevention. The amount of water you drink may play a role in how your body regulates blood sugar, researchers have found.

THE REASON

A hormone called vasopressin, which helps to regulate fluid retention.

When the body is dehydrated, vasopressin increases, causing the kidneys to retain water. Simultaneously, the hormone pushes the liver to control blood sugar levels, which over time the ability to produce or respond to insulin-producing strain.

One of the largest studies to look at the consequences was published last year in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association. French researchers tracked more than 3,000 healthy men and women aged 30 to 65 for almost a decade. All had normal blood glucose levels at the beginning of the research.

After nine years, about 800 developed type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar. But those who consumed the most water, 17-34 ounces a day had a risk about 30 percent lower than for those who drank the least. The researchers monitored the subjects for intake of other liquids that might have influenced the results, especially sweet and alcoholic beverages, as well as exercise, weight and other factors that influence health. The researchers have not looked at eating habits, maybe future studies into account.

THE BOTTOM LINE

There is some evidence that good hydration can protect against high blood sugar, but more research is needed.