Cinnamon, a spice commonly added to foods and beverages to add flavor, may also confer health benefits on people who consume it. One such potential benefit of cinnamon is a lowering of blood sugar, which may be important for diabetics who have trouble controlling blood glucose levels. The effect of cinnamon on blood sugar control in diabetics remains under investigation, with some studies showing a positive effect and others indicating no benefit.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree and ground into a powder for use. The two types of cinnamon, Chinese and Ceylon, have similar properties and effects, but may differ slightly in taste. Cinnamon can be used in foods as well as taken in supplement form.
Diabetes
People with diabetes struggle to maintain blood sugar levels because their insulin levels are either too low or their bodies are unable to utilize existing insulin. In healthy individuals, insulin modulates blood sugar by shuttling excess glucose out of the bloodstream and into tissues for storage. Low levels of insulin cause the release of glucose from the liver into the bloodstream. When insulin activity is compromised, blood sugar levels in the blood remain too high, wreaking havoc on blood vessels and tissues throughout the body.
Evidence
The evidence as to whether or not cinnamon actually helps maintain blood sugar levels is mixed. Some studies have found a significant effect, such as a November 2010 clinical trial published in the journal Diabetic Medicine in which participants with type-2 diabetes took 2 g of cinnamon daily for 12 weeks. These patients exhibited lower glycated hemoglobin, a measure of blood glucose, at the end of the study when compared to patients taking a placebo. However, a 2008 review of five previous studies published in the journal Diabetes Care found no benefit to diabetics using cinnamon.
Mechanism
One way that cinnamon may affect blood sugar levels is by slowing the rate of digestion of foods seasoned with it. A 2007 study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that cinnamon added to a high-carbohydrate meal of rice pudding slowed the rate at which this food emptied out of the stomach and lowered the blood glucose response without affecting the satiety of the person who ate the meal. Another potential mechanism is that cinnamon may increase the activity of insulin in the body.
Considerations
For controlling blood sugar, the typical dosage used in clinical trials is 1 to 1.5 g per day of cinnamon, according to Drugs.com. Cinnamon is generally considered safe when consumed at doses smaller than 6 mg per day. Some individuals may be allergic to cinnamon and should avoid this spice or foods containing this spice. Because of the potential effects on blood sugar, individuals with diabetes should avoid consuming cinnamon or foods containing cinnamon without first discussing it with their doctor.
