[numba1]

Hi,
I was listening to a doc on the radio and he said that the mineral content in water in some countries (specifically meant Dubai) was quite high and this was responsible for kindey stones and damaged kidneys. Being a Type 2 himself, he stated that he some kidney complications but after getting himself treated, he is better than he was when he was first diagnosed. My question is this something Type 1 or Type 2s need to be aware of and if so, what can someone do to safeguard themselves from it?

[Cyborg]

I try to only drink distilled or reverse-osmosis purified water. Besides the mineral issue, I simply prefer the taste of pure water.

[jerryn]

I was gonna say the same as cyborg! If minerals are an issue, try distilled water. Who knows, maybe building a water distiller can become a cool hobby.

[Harold]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

I try to only drink distilled or reverse-osmosis purified water. Besides the mineral issue, I simply prefer the taste of pure water.

Distilled water has no taste. Generally minerals baring organics and chemicals are what give water it's taste. Never heard of minerals causing specifically kidney damage. Some heavy minerals can cause damage to the nervous system, and some other minerals in high enough quantities are associated with liver damage. I have seen springs and stream posted do not drink because of heavy or high mineral content. Think arsenic is a mineral and it affects about everything in the body even in small quantities that won't out right kill you, but will make different systems eventually start to break down. Any idea which minerals the doctor is talking about.

[Cyborg]

Ok, I'll refrase my statement. I like water that is tasteless...

[numba1]

:so basically high mineral content won't affect diabetics as much as it does to the general population. thinking it's a bit of double whammy coz of the increased risk to kidneys and if high mineral do affect their functioning as well. anyway, just my 2 cents worth. i'm not a doc so what would i know.