Does Dehydration Raise Blood Glucose Level?

Glucose (sugar) is the primary source of energy for humans. However, too much of it in the bloodstream causes damage to delicate blood vessels and tissues. Dehydration, not consuming enough water, artificially increases blood glucose levels because there is not enough water in the blood to dilute the glucose.

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose is not properly absorbed from the bloodstream into the muscles. This causes an elevated blood glucose level.

Dehydration

• The human body loses water through sweating, breathing and urination. As water is lost, it must be replaced. Dehydration sets in when water is not replaced.

Hemoconcentration

• Hemoconcentration is an artificial increase in the chemicals found in blood as the concentration of water is lowered. When this occurs, not enough water is present to dilute glucose and other chemicals.

Other Elevated Blood Chemicals

• Glucose is not the only chemical that seems to be abnormally increased because of hemoconcentration. Electrolytes and blood proteins are also artificially increased in their concentration because of dehydration.

Warning

• If you are a diabetic, do not take chances. If your blood glucose reading is elevated, do not disregard it as being the product of hemoconcentration. Follow your health care provider's instructions on what to do if your glucose is high.