Around 90 million people in the U.S. take metformin to treat Type 2 diabetes. And recent research shows that the drug has added benefits: It helps people with prediabetes avoid progression to full-blown Type 2; it helps protect the heart; it reduces the risk of stroke; and it lowers the risk of some cancers and of dementia in people with diabetes.

That's kind of amazing.

But a new study shows that if you want it to be most effective in managing your prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and in conveying all the benefits that come from that, timing is everything.

Although it has long been recommended that metformin be taken with meals, research published in the journal Diabetologia shows that taking it 30 to 60 minutes before eating significantly improves blood sugar levels after eating.

That's because such timing gives the drug a chance to reduce blood sugar levels as well as increase levels of a hormone (GLP-1) that decreases hunger. It also stimulates insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.

Those benefits are muted if the medication is taken with food, instead of before eating. Talk to your doctor about trying this new routine and monitoring your glucose levels to see if it benefits you.

Here’s another tip for those with Type 2 diabetes: A new study published in the journal Obesity reveals that for sedentary people who are overweight or obese, moderate to vigorous exercise in the evening is more effective for lowering daily blood sugar levels. So take an after-dinner walk, using intermittently faster pacing.