A new study shows that antacids can actually help people with diabetes, particularly proton pump inhibitors that you can buy over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Studies on glycemic control and diabetes discovered that PPIs effectively lower glucose levels on top of the standard therapy.
Although the study states that proton pump inhibitors are safe for diabetics, there still might be some implications and long-term side effects such as cognitive decline and increasing the risk of kidney diseases.
When should people with diabetes take proton pump inhibitors (PPI)?
Although PPIs can help diabetics lower their glucose levels, many experts do not recommend regular consumption of antacids if the patient does not show any signs of gastrointestinal symptoms.
In addition, although PPIs might be able to reduce hemoglobin A1c levels by approximately 0.36%, it does not lower the risk of diabetes for people who are not diagnosed with the disease.
PPIs are in no way a substitute for standard medical treatment, and people with diabetes should know that they cannot treat the illness.
However, they are entirely safe for use if the diabetes patient is experiencing gastrointestinal issues.
Because people can buy this type of antacid without a prescription, it is still best to consult with a physician.
What experts think about using antacids
Many experts are against the use of over-the-counter medicine to reduce sugar levels and recommend that patients with diabetes should stick to the standard treatment.
PPIs are not created for lowering blood sugar levels and therefore should not be used for that purpose.
The bottom line is that people with diabetes should not rely on PPIs for regulating their blood sugar levels and only use them for what they are intended.
The research also states serious implications and side effects– patients should not take the risk, even if it can help.
