Hello, I'm Jo! 51 and new to this site. I posted a message earlier but I think I may have put it in the wrong place !!! D'oh ! Anyway...I have been type 2 since 2012 but just lately have been experiencing waves of dehydration and headaches which last around 5 days. My levels are all good and my medication hasn't been altered. I was wondering if anyone else experiences this? Thanks.
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Dehydration !
- Thread starter Jo G
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Robin
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Do you test your own blood sugars? and if so, did you notice an unexpected rise a round the time you were dehydrated? I'm just thinking along the lines that high blood sugars cause the body to become dehydrated as the kidneys excrete the excess glucose. High blood sugars can occur if there's an underlying infection, ( something you may not even know you have) or stress, or anything out of the usual routine.
Thanks for your reply Robin. No I don't test, but my Doc says my levels have always been good, 5.3 a couple of weeks ago so not worried about me. I have spoken to an out of hours Doc today, who has recommended a GP visit tomorrow. He doesn't think it is Diabetes related, but the excessive thirst could indicate low calcium levels! More blood tests to come, I guess. Thanks again.
I only get dehydrated when my sugar levels are high. I also get it if I have eaten overly oily food. I am curious why don't you test your sugar level at home? I thought all diabetics are given free glucose monitors and strips. A normal sugar result at some random time of day might not be helpful. I strongly suggest you get a glucose monitor and test regularly - even if just to rule out sugar levels as the cause.
As an aside, when I am severely dehydrated - water on its own NEVER works - it makes it worse. If you want to avoid chemical electrolyte solutions - I find eating a good amount of cucumber followed by a glass of water really helps. Sometimes if there is no cucumber, I will use tomato or a little fruit juice (only 100ml) followed by the water. Another thing that occasionally has helped is chewing gum - but that was when I was dehydrated from antibiotics not my sugar level.
If calcium is the problem, for a supplement I would really suggest Swisse's Bone Care it has calcium, d3 and k2 to aid its absorption.
Hope there is something useful in what I have written..
As an aside, when I am severely dehydrated - water on its own NEVER works - it makes it worse. If you want to avoid chemical electrolyte solutions - I find eating a good amount of cucumber followed by a glass of water really helps. Sometimes if there is no cucumber, I will use tomato or a little fruit juice (only 100ml) followed by the water. Another thing that occasionally has helped is chewing gum - but that was when I was dehydrated from antibiotics not my sugar level.
If calcium is the problem, for a supplement I would really suggest Swisse's Bone Care it has calcium, d3 and k2 to aid its absorption.
Hope there is something useful in what I have written..
Thanks for your reply JTI. Yes as Grovesy mentioned, my Doctor has never given me or advised me to test my blood sugar. It wasn't particularly high to start with, and as it has gradually dropped over the last 4 years, he's always said 'just carry on doing what you're doing'.
I'm feeling less dehydrated today, tho slightly headachey ! I will try your cucumber / fruit suggestion, thank you.
I'm feeling less dehydrated today, tho slightly headachey ! I will try your cucumber / fruit suggestion, thank you.
Copepod
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Welcome to the forum, Jo G. Glad to hear you have consulted GP about your symptoms and they are following up with blood tests. As they suspect low calcium, I would say it's best NOT to take any calcium supplements until blood has been taken and results received. Then, if calcium levels are detected, GP can prescribe appropriate medications.
Home testing of blood glucose is a different issue - many people find it useful to test before and after meals so they learn how various levels of carbohydrates affect them. GPs are usually reluctant to prescribe blood testing strips to people with type 2 diabetes, so if you want to test, then buying a SD Code Free meter will work out cheapest, as strips cost about £7 per 50.
Home testing of blood glucose is a different issue - many people find it useful to test before and after meals so they learn how various levels of carbohydrates affect them. GPs are usually reluctant to prescribe blood testing strips to people with type 2 diabetes, so if you want to test, then buying a SD Code Free meter will work out cheapest, as strips cost about £7 per 50.
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