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Antacids are common medications used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach discomfort by reducing stomach acidity. But a new study from the University of Maryland suggests that these medications may also help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Type 2 diabetes affects nearly 10% of people worldwide and makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar. Doctors usually recommend:
Lifestyle changes – Healthy eating and regular exercise.
Medications – Pills that help control blood sugar.
Insulin therapy – For people who need extra help lowering their blood sugar.
Now, researchers have found that antacids may have an unexpected benefit in lowering blood sugar when used alongside standard diabetes treatments.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers analyzed data from seven clinical trials involving 342 people with diabetes. They found that when people with diabetes took antacids in addition to their usual treatment, they experienced:
A 0.36% drop in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a key marker of long-term blood sugar levels.
A 10 mg/dl reduction in fasting blood sugar levels.
However, when researchers looked at five other studies with 244,439 participants, they found no evidence that antacids help prevent diabetes in people without the disease.
What Does This Mean for People with Diabetes?
This study suggests that commonly used antacids could have a positive effect on blood sugar control for people who already have diabetes. While more research is needed, the findings highlight that:
People with diabetes should be aware of the possible glucose-lowering effects of antacids.
Doctors should consider this effect when prescribing antacids to patients with diabetes.
How to Naturally Lower Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes, there are many ways to help manage your blood sugar levels:
Eat a healthy diet – Choose lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains instead of processed or sugary foods.
Exercise regularly – Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively. Aim for 30 minutes most days.
Take medications as prescribed – Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Monitor blood sugar levels – Regular checks help you stay on top of your condition.
Manage stress – High stress can raise blood sugar. Try meditation, deep breathing, or exercise.
Get enough sleep – Poor sleep can affect blood sugar. Aim for 7-8 hours per night.
Work with your doctor – A personalized diabetes management plan can help you stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
This study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and led by Carol Chiung-Hui Peng et al., offers new insights into how antacids might help people with diabetes. While they should not replace standard diabetes treatments, they may provide an additional tool for blood sugar management.
If you take antacids and have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how they may be affecting your blood sugar.
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.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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