Dehydration can cause serious complications in diabetics. Not only can it worsen high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), but it can also lead to medical problems like blood pressure problems, kidney failure, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Not all people are aware of the symptoms of dehydration though – older individuals, for example, because of their age and the fact that their thirst mechanism is weaker as well as diabetics because of polydipsia (increased thirst) symptom and the fact that they can get used to this sensation.

Dehydration should be treated immediately to prevent complications, and knowing its signs and symptoms can help prevent it from worsening.

Dry Skin, Mouth, and Eyes

Your body will draw water from other sources, so your skin dries up and so do your mouth and eyes. You produce less saliva, less sweat, and less tears.

Dark-Colored Urine

Your kidneys filter toxins from your body, including sugar. If they’re functioning properly, the color of the urine is pale yellow. If they’re having a hard time flushing out the toxins, the color is darker since it now contains less fluid and more waste products.

Fatigue and Low Energy

When you’re dehydrated, your body tends to conserve energy, and one of the ways it conserves energy is to slow down blood circulation. Decreased blood circulation will then result in decreased oxygenated blood into the muscle tissues, causing low energy, lethargy, and fatigue.

Blurry Vision

Your body will pull water from other sources, including your eyes, and cause problems like blurry vision and inability to focus. Chronic dehydration plus high blood sugar level contribute to retinopathy (affectation of the blood vessels supplying the eyes) and can result in vision problems and blindness.

These are just some of the symptoms of dehydration. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, drink plenty of water and eat foods high in water content. Dehydration can exacerbate your diabetic symptoms, and drinking plenty of water can help control it.