What Are The Benefits Of Cinnamon On Blood Sugar?

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used in traditional medicine systems in various cultures for centuries. Scientific evidence shows that cinnamon may help improve blood sugar levels. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with cinnamon.

Postprandial Blood Glucose

Participants with type 2 diabetes who took 6 g of cinnamon with rice pudding had reductions in postprandial blood glucose, according to the findings of a study published in June 2007 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Postprandial blood glucose refers to the blood sugar that comes from carbohydrates.

Fasting Blood Glucose

There is some evidence that cinnamon may help protect against non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Specifically, it may help improve fasting blood glucose level, or the level of blood sugar after at least eight hours since the last meal. A group of middle-aged males received 2 g of cinnamon powder in capsules four times daily over the course of 40 days and displayed reductions in fasting blood glucose, in a study published in 2009 in "Ethno-Medicine."

Insulin Sensitivity

One of the mechanisms involved with blood-sugar-related disorders is insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity refers to the inability of the body to regulate glucose levels. Cinnamon helps improve conditions such as diabetes because it is capable of reducing insulin sensitivity. The study published in 2009 in "Ethno-Med" found that 1 to 6 g of cinnamon dissolved in water led to reductions in insulin sensitivity problems that occur in polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition where cysts form along the outer edge of the ovaries.

Gastric Emptying

One of the problems associated with blood-sugar-related disorders is rapid gastric emptying. Gastric emptying refers to how rapidly the stomach releases food, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar. The 2007 study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that participants with type 2 diabetes who took 6 g of cinnamon showed reductions in gastric emptying.