Cinnamon for Blood Sugar Support

Cinnamon is an ancient spice used for centuries as an antibiotic, but now studies show that it can help lower blood sugar. One variety of cinnamon seems to be more effective than the other, but both have some effect on blood sugar levels.

What the Studies Show

Studies published in The Annals of Family Medicine and Diabetes Care show better control of blood sugar levels when cinnamon was added to normal treatments. A meta-analysis by Paul Davis from the University of California, Davis, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that cinnamon supplementation lowered fasting blood glucose.

How Much Does It Help?

The UC Davis study showed that cinnamon only has a moderate effect, lowering blood sugar levels by 3 to 5 percent. This is equivalent to the benefits of taking certain older types of diabetes medications. This could be helpful for people whose doctors have diagnosed them with elevated fasting blood glucose, also called pre-diabetes. It may also help those with type 2 diabetes cut back on their dosage of medication.

What Types of Cinnamon Are Best to Reduce Blood Sugar?

While one study showed that cassia cinnamon, the most common form available, was most effective. It contains a blood thinner called coumarin. For those who are already taking blood thinners, the milder but pricier Ceylon cinnamon would be a better alternative. A small number of people are sensitive to the cassia cinnamon, and in a few cases, it caused stress on the liver.

How to Take Cinnamon

Cinnamon is available in supplement form. Adults sensitive to coumarin should take no more than one teaspoon of cassia cinnamon a day. Dosages vary from 1 to 2 grams daily, but most people can take up to 6 grams with no major problems.

Cinnamon can be an effective addition to traditional diabetes treatments. Cassia cinnamon is not recommended for those already taking blood thinning medicines, but Ceylon cinnamon may be safe. Talk to your doctor before using cinnamon to treat your diabetes or pre-diabetes.

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