Adults who drink half a litre of water a day or less, are increasing their chances of having high blood sugar levels, research has revealed.
The study, led by researchers at the French National Research Institute INSERM, monitored 3,615 French adults between the ages of 30 and 65, with normal bloody sugar levels, over a period of nine years.
It was found that those who drank at least 12 ounces of water per day, were 28% less likely to have high bloody sugar levels than those who drank less.
Of the volunteers, 565 developed high blood sugar levels and 202 developed type 2 diabetes.
The reasons behind these findings are believed to be down to the vasopressin hormone, which regulates the body's water retention.
When the body is dehydrated, the vasopressin receptors in the liver (which are responsible for producing glucose) go up and it's suggested that these make blood sugar levels elevate.
Another conclusion was that those who drank little water, had sugary drinks instead, which could consequently lead to high blood sugar levels and diabetes.
However, although the findings proved positive, further studies need to be done to confirm the link between blood sugar levels and diabetes alone.
If you can't stomach the idea of drinking the recommended eight to ten glasses a day, check out these tastier ways to boost your water intake.
Clever Ways To Incorporate Water Into Your Diet
Clever Ways To Incorporate Water Into Your Diet(01 of06)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Have A Cup Of (Herbal) Tea(02 of06)
Open Image ModalSteer clear of caffeinated drinks when possible, as the caffeine tends to counteract the water benefits as it dries out moisture. If you need to get your hot drink fix, opt for herbal teas instead. Green tea is great for its antioxidants and cleansing, and chamomile tea is a lovely calming drink. If you don't fancy them hot, chill them in the fridge and enjoy them cold. (credit:Flickr:Charkrem)
Tomato Juice(03 of06)
Open Image ModalGet your vegetable intake as well as water with a glass of tangy tomato juice. Tomatoes contain a high level of water, so making these into a juice is an ideal way to get some water into your everyday diet, as well as one of your five-a-day. (credit:Flickr:needoptic)
Stock Up On Soup(04 of06)
Open Image ModalSoups are predominately water-based, so in the winter months, use this as an excuse to eat lots of hearty soups and stews. (credit:Flickr:wEnDaLicious)
Add A Slice Of Lemon (05 of06)
Open Image ModalIf you find plain water boring to drink, spruce it up with a slice of lemon or lime (or both). This will add subtle citrus flavour to your drink without involving any added sugar or nasties.
Eat Water-Rich Foods(06 of06)
Open Image ModalInstead of drinking water, you can eat it instead. Opt for water-based fruits, such as watermelon and cranberries. Watermelon is 90% water and is also packed with other essential nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin A. (credit:Flickr:lisaclarke)