Cinnamon and Diabetes

Cinnamon as a Treatment for Diabetes is No Joke!

Is cinnamon good for diabetes? The link between cinnamon and diabetes for glucose control is arguably the most talked about of any natural substance. However, is there any truth to the talk about cinnamon as a treatment for diabetes? Does cinnamon for diabetes control really work? What exactly is the cinnamon diabetes connection?

After all, seemingly every month there is a new study will come along touting the benefits of one substance or another in treating diabetes. In this case, it appears there is some substance to the talk.

However, there are 250 species of cinnamon, so you should understand more about the substance and how the right type may help you manage your diabetes.

Cinnamon has been around since ancient times and has been referenced in many ancient texts including the bible. Its traditional uses have been varied ranging from a spice, medicinal purposes and as an insect repellent.

Cinnamon is actually a small evergreen tree. It is prepared by grinding the bark, soaking it in a saltwater solution, and then quickly distilling the mixture (essentially removing the water). With time, the remaining powder will darken and become quite aromatic. Cinnamon originated from Southern Asia.

The most common type of cinnamon is cinnamon zeylanicum, often referred to as "true" cinnamon. This is the type of cinnamon you usually buy in the store.

A related species is cinnamon aromaticum, commonly referred to as cassia, and is often sold as cinnamon. The difference is important because two different studies link either substance to helping diabetics.

What the Studies Say

In a 2003 study, the effect of cassia on blood glucose and cholesterol was conducted. The hope was not only to control glucose levels, but also lower cholesterol levels to reduce the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The cinnamon and diabetes study participants were dived into three groups. The amount of cinnamon given was either 1 gram, 3 grams or 6 grams a day.

After only 40 days, cassia was found to lower blood glucose levels (up to 29%), triglycerides (up to 30%), LDL cholesterol (up to 27%) and overall cholesterol (by up to 26%). Regarding the blood sugar, the study found that cassia increased the cells receptivity to insulin, thus reducing insulin resistance.

All three cinnamon and diabetes study groups showed positive results. Thus, as little 1 gram of cinnamon could be helpful in your diet.

In a 2006 study, scientist concluded that a compound in cinnamon zeylanicum (cinnamtannin B1) lowered insulin resistance, thus lowering blood glucose levels. This study was not conducted on humans, while the 2003 study was.

Bottom line is that there is a real cinnamon diabetes connection. However, there are many types of cinnamon and related species marketed as cinnamon. Make sure you know which type you are buying if you choose cinnamon as a treatment for diabetes. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.

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