Glucose levels are crucial for those living with diabetes, especially African Americans who are at greater risk of the disease.
A recent preliminary study found that Verapamil, an old drug used to treat hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and migraines, could be used to lower blood sugar levels, Medscape Medical News reported.
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About 5,000 diabetic patients participated in the study, led by Dr. Yulia Khodneva from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Patients who took Verapamil while suffering from type 1 diabetes or late-stage type 2 diabetes had fasting serum glucose levels that were 24 mg/dL lower than those not taking Verapamil. That is rough equal to an A1C drop from 8 percent to 7 percent, according to Medscape. The target treatment set by the American Diabetes Association is 7 percent.
African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes.
More than 13 percent of Blacks ages 20 and older have been diagnosed with diabetes. And, according to the ADA, African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than whites.
The A1C test details your average blood glucose control within the past few months. Physicians recommend taking the test at least twice a year. A normal A1C level is below 5.7 percent. Anywhere between 5.7 and 6.4 percent typically indicates signs of pre-diabetes. A person is usually diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when their A1C is over 6.5 percent. While living with diabetes, it’s safe to have a goal of 7 percent for A1C.
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Here are some tips to improve your blood sugar levels and lower your A1C:
Exercise.
Try to workout for at least 30 minutes five days a week. It’s helpful to use activities you enjoy as exercise routine, like riding a bicycle or taking the dog for a walk.
READ: 7 Diabetes Management Plan Essentials
Schedule meals.
It’s important to stick to a schedule for meals to make sure you aren’t eating too much or too often. Either one can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and fall.
Check your blood sugar.
It’s necessary to keep track of your blood sugar levels to better schedule hen you should be eating. This keeps you in tune with what foods may spike your glucose level.
Eat a balanced diet.
Think about serving sizes when eating fruits, proteins, complex carbs like potatoes and other starches. Try using a smaller plate when eating to avoid overeating, which could also affect your blood glucose. Meanwhile, stay away from sodas, which are high in sugar, and fruit juice.
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