The Cinnamon and Diabetes Debate

Since a 2003 study in Pakistan, scientists have been exploring the possibility that cinnamon may improve both blood sugar and cholesterol levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The study’s promising results initiated the diabetes and cinnamon debate, namely: could a gram or two of cinnamon per day cause glucose, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol to drop?

So far, further study seems to indicate that cinnamon could be a valuable player in controlling diabetes with diet. In the 2003 Pakistani study, cinnamon reduced blood sugar by up to 29 percent. While you would never want to replace your diabetes medication and insulin with cinnamon, you may be able to improve your blood sugar levels by adding adequate amounts of cinnamon to your diet.

To test the cinnamon and diabetes link for yourself, you’ll probably need more than a sprinkle of cinnamon on your toast to notice a difference. All the studies tested amounts of cinnamon ranging from one-quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon up to almost two teaspoons of cinnamon a day. Interestingly, the study participants who consumed smaller amounts of cinnamon appeared to achieve the best effect for their type 2 diabetes.

Scientists in the cinnamon and diabetes study recommended that cinnamon powder or sticks can be added to tea as well as orange juice, oatmeal, coffee, salads, meats, and more. It appears that the active elements in cinnamon are not damaged by heat. Consuming too much cinnamon can be dangerous to anyone, and pregnant women should not consume large amounts of cinnamon.