Researchers from the University of Maryland have discovered that antacids, commonly used to treat heartburn and indigestion, may also be beneficial for people with diabetes by helping to improve blood sugar control.
Type 2 diabetes is a widespread condition, affecting nearly 10 percent of the global population. Typically, doctors recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or insulin therapy to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Now, antacids are being recognized as another potential tool in managing glucose levels.
The study focused on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a type of antacid that works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of seven clinical trials involving 342 people with diabetes.
The participants were given antacids alongside their usual diabetes care, and the results were compared to those who only received standard diabetes treatment.
The findings were significant. Patients who took antacids, specifically PPIs, in addition to their usual treatment experienced a reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels by 0.36%.
HbA1c is a measure of average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Additionally, fasting blood sugar levels dropped by 10 mg/dl in people who used antacids compared to those who didn’t.
These results show that adding antacids to diabetes treatment plans could help lower blood sugar levels more effectively than standard care alone.
However, it’s important to note that taking antacids did not reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes in people who don’t already have the condition.
The study’s lead researcher, Carol Chiung-Hui Peng, and her team published these findings in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The research provides new insight into how antacids, typically used for digestive issues, might have broader health benefits, especially for people managing diabetes.
Healthcare providers may want to consider this additional effect when prescribing these medications to their diabetic patients.
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar in Diabetes
For those living with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels in check is crucial to prevent complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems. Here are some strategies to help control blood sugar effectively:
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help keep blood sugar levels steady. Avoid sugary and highly processed foods, which can cause blood sugar spikes.
Exercise: Regular physical activity helps the body use insulin more efficiently, which can lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.
Medications: Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, various medications may be prescribed. These include insulin injections, oral medications to stimulate insulin production, or drugs that increase insulin sensitivity. Some injectables slow down digestion, which helps control blood sugar spikes after meals.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly checking blood sugar levels is essential to managing diabetes. Monitoring helps identify when levels are too high or too low, allowing adjustments to diet, exercise, or medications as needed.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking can increase blood sugar and damage blood vessels, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to blood sugar imbalances and weight gain, complicating diabetes management.
Stress Management: Stress can raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage it. Activities like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial in keeping stress—and blood sugar—under control.
Managing blood sugar levels is a long-term process that requires a personalized approach. Each person with diabetes may have different needs, so working closely with a healthcare team to create a tailored management plan is crucial for long-term success.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that flaxseed oil is more beneficial than fish oil to people with diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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