Cinnamon is an herb commonly used as a spice and aromatic. Throughout history, cinnamon bark or oil has been used to treat diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders and menstrual pains. Cinnamon is also used an an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Using cinnamon to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics is a debated topic with many studies being performed with the goal of establishing whether cinnamon really helps lower your blood sugar.
Reduction in Fasting Blood Sugar
Blood sugar, or serum glucose, levels are a measure of the amount of sugar currently circulating within your bloodstream. Your body uses sugar as fuel for almost every biological process. However, large amounts of glucose in your blood can cause damage to your arteries, kidneys and other organs. Studies have shown a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of up to 29 percent in patients taking cinnamon, according to a December 2009 article in “Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism.” Further studies are needed to quantify the exact effects and benefits cinnamon has on blood sugar levels.
Improved Hemoglobin A1C Levels
Hemoglobin A1C levels are often used to measure blood glucose control over an extended period of time. Normal A1C levels often indicate proper control of blood sugar levels in diabetics, while high A1C levels are associated with untreated or inadequately managed diabetes. If you have poor hemoglobin A1C levels, above 7 percent, taking cinnamon twice a day for 90 days may help improve your blood sugar control and A1C levels, MayoClinic.com reports. Talk to your doctor before you add cinnamon to your treatment plan.
Dosage of Cinnamon
Doses of 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon each day for 40 days were able to reduce blood sugar levels, according to a December 2003 article published in “Diabetes Care.” Taking cinnamon at this dosage effected a reduction of 18 to 29 percent in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, cinnamon also causes a reduction in your triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes Treatment
Even though cinnamon has shown some ability to lower your blood sugar levels, it is not a recommended primary form of diabetes treatment. Treatment for diabetes is a lifelong process that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and consistent blood sugar monitoring. In more advanced cases, diabetes medications and insulin therapy is prescribed. Cinnamon may be used as an adjunct to diabetes treatment plans, but should never replace a doctor recommended medication.
References
- MayoClinic; Diabetes Treatment: Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar; Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.; September 2010
- "Dibaetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People with Type 2 Diabetes; A. Khan, et al.; Decmber 2003
- "Diabetes Obesity & Metabolism"; The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance; S. Kirkham, et al.; December 2009
- Drugs.com: Cinnamon
