A new study has found the ability to work with and understand numbers can come into play for diabetics trying to manage their disease.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University tested 383 type-2 diabetics on a range of number-related tasks. They found that those who did well on the math tests had better results on tests that estimate a persons average blood sugar level over the previous few months, according to Reuters.
Working with numbers is important for diabetics since they need to count carbohydrates, adjust insulin doses and keep track of blood sugar readings on a daily basis.
The studys results suggest that helping diabetes patients with their numeracy might also improve their blood sugar control.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with about 90 to 95 percent having type 2 diabetes.
Inadequate management of blood sugar levels has been linked to damage of the eyes, heart, kidneys and nerves.
Some believe containing ginseng, chromium, magnesium and zinc can be helpful in managing diabetes.