The increasing obesity problem in North America is causing a rise in cases of type 2 diabetes. The risk of cardiovascular disease is two to four times higher in diabetics. Recent research indicates that cinnamon as a dietary supplement has the potential to decrease blood sugar and reduce other cardiovascular risk factors. Consult your doctor if you would like to add cinnamon to your diabetes treatment plan.
Published Research
A placebo-controlled study published in a 2003 issue of "Diabetes Care" examined the effects of 1, 3 and 6 g of cinnamon daily in 30 men and women with type 2 diabetes. Results were positive not only for reducing blood sugar levels, but also on reducing triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels -- all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In addition, cinnamon showed a continued effect on these measurements. The benefits continued even after 20 days without cinnamon, indicating you do not have to consume cinnamon every day, according to the researchers. Research published in "American Society for Nutrition" in 2009 examined the effects of 3 g of cinnamon on the blood insulin levels of healthy subjects 2 hours after meals. Although no effect on blood glucose levels was found, a significant decrease in blood insulin concentration occurred. These results suggest an increased sensitivity to insulin caused by the cinnamon, according to the study researchers.
Cinnamon Supplementation
In the "Diabetes Care" research study, the best result from cinnamon supplementation was at 40 days. During this time, participants took capsules containing 500 mg of ground cinnamon after meals. The participants taking 1 g daily, took one capsule after lunch and the other after dinner. The participants taking greater amounts of cinnamon took an equal number of capsules immediately after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Throughout the study, participants followed recommended diets and continued to take their prescribed medications. In the "American Society for Nutrition" study, non-diabetic participants ate 1 or 3 g of ground cinnamon added to a bowl of rice pudding immediately after their meal. In this study, 3 g showed the greatest effect on insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon has no net carbohydrates and is generally a safe addition to the diet. Before adding cinnamon to your diet, however, discuss it with your doctor.
Mechanism
In the laboratory, water-based cinnamon extracts increased glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in tissues, possibly resulting in a decreased blood sugar level. Cinnamon also increases phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, which might be the mechanism by which cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity. Insulin also plays a key role in fat metabolism, and the increased insulin sensitivity could explain the improvement in cholesterol levels seen in some studies.
Future Research
Although cinnamon showed significant effects in two small studies, replication of that research is important before doctors can recommend it as a diabetic supplement. As of February 2011, ClinicalTrials.gov listed nine research studies examining cinnamon and blood sugar levels. These clinical trials were set up to look at the effect of cinnamon on blood A1C levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin resistance, glucose uptake and glucose levels after meals. Study participants include not only patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance as well.
