Antacids, commonly used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, or an upset stomach, may also play a surprising role in managing blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes. Recent research from the University of Maryland suggests that these widely available over-the-counter medications could provide an additional tool for diabetes care.
Type 2 diabetes is a global health issue, affecting nearly 10% of people worldwide. It occurs when the body cannot effectively use or produce enough insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Managing the condition often involves a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity, medications, and sometimes insulin. Now, this new research points to antacids as a potential way to improve glucose control when added to standard treatment.
The study focused on a type of antacid called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid.
The researchers conducted a meta-analysis, combining data from multiple studies to understand how these medications affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and whether they might prevent diabetes in those without the condition.
The analysis included seven studies involving 342 people with diabetes to examine how PPIs affected blood sugar control. It also included five studies with over 244,000 participants to evaluate whether PPIs could lower the risk of developing diabetes in the general population.
For people with diabetes, the results were promising. The researchers found that adding antacids to standard diabetes care reduced hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)—a measure of long-term blood sugar levels—by 0.36%.
This reduction is considered meaningful in diabetes management. Antacids also lowered fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 10 mg/dl. These improvements suggest that antacids could be a useful addition to existing treatments.
However, for people without diabetes, the studies showed no significant effect of antacids on the risk of developing the disease. This indicates that while these medications may help manage blood sugar in those already diagnosed with diabetes, they are unlikely to prevent the condition in healthy individuals.
The researchers emphasized that people with diabetes should be aware of the potential benefits of antacids for improving blood sugar control. Healthcare providers might also consider this effect when prescribing these medications, especially for patients who already take them for digestive issues.
Despite these encouraging findings, the researchers caution that more studies are needed to fully understand the role of antacids in diabetes care. It’s important to note that antacids are not a replacement for standard diabetes treatments but may serve as a helpful complement.
The study was led by Carol Chiung-Hui Peng and her team and was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. For people with diabetes, this research offers a new perspective on how a simple, over-the-counter medication might enhance their ability to manage their condition effectively.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and to people with diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
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