It’s a standard piece of recommendation floating round well being circles: drink a glass of water earlier than meals to handle blood sugar ranges. However does this straightforward behavior actually make a distinction, particularly for these residing with diabetes or prediabetes?
Some proponents imagine that hydrating earlier than consuming can assist digestion, decelerate the absorption of glucose, and probably cut back post-meal blood sugar spikes. Others argue that whereas hydration is important for general well being, its timing may not considerably have an effect on glycaemic management.
So, does this tactic truly work, or is it simply one other wellness delusion?
Licensed diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra tells indianexpress.com, “Consuming water earlier than meals could assist cut back postprandial (after consuming) blood sugar spikes, particularly in individuals with sort 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Water can enhance the sensation of fullness, which can result in consuming much less and slower gastric emptying, each of which may blunt the rise in blood sugar after meals. Moreover, ample hydration helps kidney perform, which helps regulate glucose ranges by aiding within the excretion of extra sugar by urine.”
Nonetheless, she says that water itself doesn’t straight alter glucose metabolism or absorption within the intestine. The principle profit comes from selling satiety and supporting general metabolic well being.
Are there particular teams of people that may profit extra from this behavior than others?
Based on Malhotra, people with sort 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance could profit extra from ingesting water earlier than meals. For these teams, managing blood sugar spikes is particularly vital to forestall issues. Consuming water may also help cut back calorie consumption and sluggish the absorption of glucose, which can enhance glycemic management.
She notes, “Moreover, people who find themselves chubby or have metabolic syndrome may see added advantages, as water can change sugary drinks and help weight administration. Nonetheless, these with kidney or coronary heart points ought to seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than growing water consumption to keep away from fluid overload.”
Might ingesting water proper earlier than meals intervene with digestion or nutrient absorption in any approach, particularly for people with gastrointestinal situations?
For many wholesome people, Malhotra explains, ingesting water earlier than or with meals doesn’t intervene with digestion or nutrient absorption. Water can truly assist digestion by serving to to dissolve vitamins and transfer meals by the digestive tract.
Story continues beneath this advert
Nonetheless, in individuals with sure gastrointestinal situations — equivalent to gastroparesis (delayed abdomen emptying) or extreme acid reflux disease — giant quantities of water earlier than meals may worsen signs by growing abdomen quantity and strain. “Having stated that, it’s finest to drink smaller quantities of water and seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for personalised recommendation,” she mentions.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.