Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it may lead to other complications, such as kidney disease and stroke. Insulin and other prescription drugs are commonly used to regulate blood glucose levels.The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that cinnamon may play a role in regulating the blood sugar sugar levels of type 2 diabetics. However, evidence to support its use is mixed. Do not use it in place of your regular diabetes medicines and get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Dosage
Also known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum, cinnamon is commonly used to flavor foods and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach ulcers, arthritis and diabetes. Memorial Sloan-Kettering states that cinnamon contains compounds that may mimic the action of insulin by activating insulin receptors. The dose required to regulate blood sugar levels may vary among individuals, so ask your doctor to advise you as to how much cinnamon you should take.
Efficacy
The results of a clinical study published in the December 2003 issue of "Diabetes Care" shows that taking cinnamon daily reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. As such, the authors conclude that including cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes reduces risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, an analysis of clinical data published in the December 2007 issue of the Dutch medical journal "Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde" concludes that cinnamon should not be recommended for the improvement of glycemic control in diabetic patients.
Side Effects
New York University Langone Medical Center notes that the food spice is safe, but cinnamon's essential oil is much more concentrated and high doses may suppress the central nervous system. Cinnamon may contain large quantities of chemical known as coumarin, which may cause liver disease in sensitive individuals. Ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to take cinnamon.
Warnings
Cinnamon is not suitable for regulating the blood sugar levels of everyone with type 2 diabetes. Paradoxically, although this herb is sometimes used an alternative remedy for type 2 diabetes, MedlinePlus warns that it may be unsafe to do so as it may lower your blood sugar levels too much and cause hypoglycemia. It may also interact with diabetes medicines. Get your blood sugar levels checked regularly and only use cinnamon under medical supervision. Also avoid this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease. (See Reference 5).
