A dry mouth is defined as a decrease in the amount of saliva produced by the parotid salivary gland, which causes the person to experience dryness on the palate and tongue, and frequent thirst.

Informally, the condition is called:

• xerostomia
• cottonmouth

CAUSES OF DRY MOUTH

1. Medications
2. Age
3. Cancer Treatment
4. Injury or surgery
5. Tobacco
6. Dehydration
7. Exercising or playing in the heat
8. Open mouth sleeping/Snoring
9. Other health conditions can cause dry mouth:

• anxiety disorders
• depression
• HIV and AIDS
• Parkinson’s disease
• poorly managed diabetes
• Sjögren’s (SHOW-grins)
• Snoring due to Sleep Apnea
• stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, even when salivary glands work properly, are more likely to result in dry mouth perception

DIABETES AND DEHYDRATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DIABETES THIRST
Diabetes thirst is a common complaint among people with diabetes. It is a condition that makes you feel like you need to drink more than usual.

Diabetes thirst can be caused by high blood sugar levels, low blood sugar levels, or both.

• High blood sugar causes increased urination and more fluid loss from the body.
• Low blood sugar causes decreased urine production and less fluid retention by the kidneys.

Diabetics will often be thirsty because their body is losing fluids due to poor blood sugar control. The thirst sensation may seem like normal thirst at first, but it can quickly become a problem if ignored or treated incorrectly. The most common symptom of diabetes is excessive thirst, which can lead to dehydration and other complications if left untreated.

STAYING HYDRATED WITH DIABETES

Drinking enough water is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with diabetes. It’s crucial to drink plenty of water because it helps reduce the damage from high blood sugar levels. It can also help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections. It helps keep blood glucose levels steady and keeps your kidneys working properly.

There are several things you can do to prevent dehydration while living with diabetes:

• Drink more fluids — it’s best to drink 8 cups of fluids per day rather than just one or two large glasses of water, juice, or other beverages. People living with diabetes should drink plenty of fluids each day, about 1.6 liters (L) for women, and 2 L for men.
• Keep track of how much fluid you drink — you may be able to tell if you’re getting enough fluids by counting the number of times you urinate each day or by checking your urine for color or specific gravity (a measure of how dense it is). If you’re not sure how much fluid you need, talk with your healthcare provider. The amount of water you should drink depends on several factors, including age, gender, and body weight.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — These nutrients help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels so they don’t rise too high when you’re stressed out or lack sleep (which can happen when you live with diabetes).
• Limit sodium in your diet — how much sodium you eat depends on how much salt is already in it.
• Make sure you’re getting enough calories — aim for 1,200 calories per day if you’re trying to lose weight. In general, people with type 2 diabetes should consume no more than 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, which can make dehydration worse.

Dehydration is a common problem for people with diabetes, especially in the summer months when temperatures are typically higher. If you don’t drink enough water, your body will start to lose sodium, which can lead to nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

Diabetes is a serious condition that requires proper treatment from your doctor and an understanding of how it affects your daily life. If you have any questions about your symptoms or would like more information about diabetes, please talk to your doctor immediately.