Dehydration and Very High Sugar

Very high blood sugar pulls fluid out of the body. The extra sugar leaves through urine, and water leaves with it.

Think of a sponge being squeezed again and again. Fluid can drain out faster than a person can drink it back. That is dehydration.

A person stands beside a big water tank that stands for the water in their body. Full, the tank is near the top. Draining, water drips out of the tap and the level falls. Sipping, the person drinks small sips from a glass and the level climbs back. Steady, sips in and drips out keep the level even.

Early dehydration signs include dry mouth and strong thirst. Urine may be frequent at first. Then it slows as fluid runs low.

Dark urine is only a rough check. It can hint at low fluid, but it does not prove dehydration on its own.

HHS, or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome, is a medical emergency. Later signs include confusion, drowsiness and weakness on one side.

Confusion with very high blood sugar is a 911 situation. Do not wait for it to pass. Weakness on one side can look like a stroke, and it needs 911 too.

Key takeaways

• Very high blood sugar draws fluid out of the body through urine.
• Dry mouth, strong thirst, and changes in urine are early dehydration signs. Dark urine is only a rough check.
• Confusion with very high blood sugar is a 911 situation.

Try it

If you check your blood sugar today, also note whether your mouth feels dry. Ask your care team what to do if a high reading comes with strong thirst.