If you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, you know post-meal blood sugar spikes can wreak havoc on your health.
There are numerous prescription medications available to assist with glucose level management, yet a straightforward, non-drug approach might also be effective.
And all you need is something that’s likely already hiding in your pantry.
Norma Lyons, 60, was 40 pounds overweight when she was diagnosed as prediabetic nearly a decade ago.
Individuals with prediabetes exhibit blood sugar levels that are above the norm — if ignored, it can progress into diabetes, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Avoiding medication for her condition, she shared with The Post that she successfully lost weight and reversed her prediabetes within 90 days by transitioning to a keto diet.
These days, she uses a tangy trick whenever she wants to get her fix: Lyons told the Post she simply mixes two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in her water and — voila — she can have two slices of pizza and still be in the clear.
Apple cider vinegar has long been touted as a miracle potion that can be used for practically anything — from losing weight to aiding digestion to soothing sore throats, skin issues and headaches, although the evidence on its efficacy is limited.
So, does the science for this blood sugar hack hold up?
“I’ve heard from some patients who have successfully used apple cider vinegar to prevent post-meal sugar spikes,” Dr. Victoria Finn, an endocrinologist at Medical Offices of Manhattan, told The Post.
ACV, as fans call it, may work in a few different ways: According to Finn, it might slow the breakdown of carbohydrates, delay the rate at which food leaves the stomach and increase insulin sensitivity — all of which can help prevent blood sugar from rising too quickly after eating.
But it’s not without risks.
“I would advise against trying this natural treatment before consulting your healthcare provider,” she said.
“Apple cider vinegar’s high acidity can cause stomach irritation and nausea in some patients, leading to other gastrointestinal issues.
“Furthermore, certain medications may interact negatively with apple cider vinegar.”
Some people are likely to benefit from the trick more than others.
“It will definitely work better in people with some degree of insulin resistance, meaning those who have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes,” Finn said, noting that the hack is more likely to work if the apple cider vinegar is taken before a high-carb meal.
While the tummy trick may have its merits, Finn still encourages people to focus on making lifestyle choices that can help them manage their blood sugar levels.
“My two best pieces of advice would be to consume protein, vegetables and healthy fats before eating carbohydrates and to take a 20-30 minute walk after meals,” she said.
“Eating a bowl of salad or a handful of nuts can significantly slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and reduce stomach emptying, which helps prevent a sugar spike.”
The post-meal walk — which the internet has affectionately dubbed the “fart walk” — “can help cells take up glucose from the blood as an energy source and lower glucose levels,” she said.
As an added bonus, this flatulent stroll can also prevent constipation, get rid of gas and even lower your risk of cancer.
For Lyons, the apple cider vinegar trick — and adopting other smart eating methods — has been a life-changer.
“I don’t feel like I need to deprive myself of anything anymore. It’s just a matter of learning how to eat it,” she said.
