Cinnamon and Diabetes
Can cinnamon help people with diabetes as its been touted to do? Results of studies into the use of the aromatic spice for diabetes have been mixed, and the American Diabetes Association discounts its use in the treatment of diabetes.
WebMD took at look at the research, the safety of cinnamon, and its possible interactions with herbs and other supplements.
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Does Cinnamon Help Diabetes?
Cinnamon comes in two varieties -- Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is the kind most Americans use for baking and cooking. It's also the variety most researchers have used when they've studied cinnamon and diabetes.
Some of this research has shown that cinnamon may lower blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance. In people with type 2 diabetes, the sugar-lowering hormone insulin does not work as well. This leads to higher blood sugar levels.
In one study, volunteers ate from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days. One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon. Researchers found that cinnamon reduced cholesterol by about 18% and blood sugar levels by 24%.
In another study, volunteers ate cinnamon and rice pudding after a meal. These volunteers had reduced blood sugar levels.
In other studies, cinnamon did not decrease blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
Is Cinnamon Safe for People With Diabetes?
Cinnamon appears to be safe in those with diabetes. People with liver damage should be careful, however, because large amounts of cinnamon may increase liver problems.
Cinnamon supplements are classified as a food, not a drug. Unlike medications, supplement makers don't have to prove their products are safe or effective. The FDA, however, can force a supplement from the market if it proves it's unsafe.
If you do plan on buying a cinnamon supplement, choose brands labeled with a quality seal. These include the NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, or Consumerlab seal. This helps assure that the supplement actually contains the ingredients stated on the label. It also helps guarantee that the product doesn't contain any contaminants or potentially harmful ingredients.
Does Cinnamon Interact With Other Herbs or Drugs?
Because cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels, exercise caution when combining it with other supplements that lower sugar levels, including:
- Alpha lipoic acid
- Bitter melon
- Chromium
- Devil's claw
- Fenugreek
- Garlic
- Horse chestnut
- Panax
- Siberian ginseng
- Psyllium
The same holds true with diabetes medications. If you and your doctor decide cinnamon is right for you, pay close attention to your blood sugar levels. Let your doctor know if your blood sugar levels fall too low.
Taking cinnamon with drugs that affect the liver may increase the risk of liver problems. If you take any medication, talk to your doctor before taking cinnamon.
WebMD Medical Reference
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
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