Cinnamon's history of use as a spice dates back to the seventh century, B.C., when it was imported into Mesopotamia from India and Persia. Recent scientific research has revealed potential benefits of cinnamon for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Consult your doctor before using cinnamon to treat diabetes.
Fasting Blood Sugar
Cinnamon decreased fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins -- or LDL, the bad form of cholesterol -- and total cholesterol levels in a study published in the December 2003 issue of the journal "Diabetes Care." In the study, 60 participants with type 2 diabetes, average age 52, took 1g, 3g or 6g dose levels of cinnamon for 40 days. The results demonstrated that all three doses were effective. Cinnamon reduced fasting blood sugar by 18 to 29 percent, triglycerides by 23 to 30 percent, LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27 percent and total cholesterol by 12 to 26 percent. No significant changes in high density lipoprotein -- or HDL, the good form of cholesterol -- occurred in this study.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Cinnamon extract may be useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy, according to a study published in the October 2009 issue of the journal "Neurosciences." In the study on laboratory animals, 400mg per kg body weight of cinnamon for three months resulted in a healthy, almost normal appearance of the sciatic nerve -- the main nerve that runs down the back of the thigh. Blood glucose, Hgb A1c -- a marker of blood sugar levels for several months preceding the test -- and cholesterol levels were unaffected by cinnamon supplementation. Researchers concluded that cinnamon may be helpful at preventing neuropathy associated with diabetes.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil demonstrated blood sugar lowering properties in a study published in the August 2010 issue of the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology." In the laboratory animal study, scientists tested doses of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg per kg body weight for 35 days and found the highest dose most efficient at lowering fasting blood sugar. The researchers also noted decreases in pro-inflammatory molecules, triglycerides, total cholesterol and urea levels and a significant increase in levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, cinnamon improved the function of insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
Metabolic Syndrome
A study published in the May 2010 issue of the "Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology" reported that cinnamon alleviated and prevented some symptoms of metabolic syndrome -- a combination of factors that increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The meta study -- a review of previously published research -- found that cinnamon has been shown to stabilize blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol and improve antioxidant levels and blood pressure. Cinnamon also promotes increased lean body mass. The authors added that not all studies show benefits and variables such as the type of cinnamon used, individual responses and other medications may influence cinnamon's effects.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes; Alam Khan, MS, Ph.D., et al.; December 2003
- "NeuroSciences"; Ultrastructural Evaluation of the Effects of Cinnamon on the Nervus Ischiadicus in Diabetic Rats; S. Bahceci, et al.; October 2009
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Antidiabetic Effects of Cinnamon Oil in Diabetic KK Ay Mice; H. Ping, et al.; August 2010
- "Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology"; Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type II Diabetes; B. Qin, et al.; May 2010
- "Amazing Facts: The Indispensible Collection of True Life Facts and Feats"; Richard B. Manchester; 1991
