Could this common ingredient help prevent diabetes?
Not only is cinnamon a common ingredient, but a recent study found that it may also have health benefits for those at risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon supplements were given to participants with prediabetes in the Journal of the Endocrine Society’s study three times a day for 12 weeks. The 500 mg capsules helped the participants maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Participants also reported that carbohydrates were much easier for their bodies to process after taking the supplement as suggested.
“Cinnamon can help improve metabolic health by enhancing glucose uptake in skeletal muscles as well as increasing glycogen stores. Glycogen is the predominant source of energy and how the body stores carbohydrates for energy at the muscular level,” says Dr. Tony Hampton, family medicine physician with Advocate Medical Group in Chicago.
One in every three adults in the United States have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prediabetes is diagnosed when a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal. When the high blood sugar levels progress, the person is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Hampton suggests the following to help reverse diabetes:
- Intermittent fasting: Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, this type of diet helps give the pancreas a break and time to heal from insulin production.
- Consume fewer carbs: Eating a diet consisting of low carbohydrates, such as less grains, sugar and starchy vegetables, help reduce the need for insulin production.
- Reduce stress and increase sleep: Chronic stress can often be triggered by lack of sleep. Elevated levels of stress can cause higher levels of not only insulin but also cortisol and inflammatory compounds.
- Regular exercise: Exercising one’s muscles helps efficiently utilize glucose which helps balance blood sugar and insulin levels.
Further studies may confirm whether cinnamon has a long-term impact of preventing prediabetes patients from developing Type 2 diabetes.
Want to learn more about your risk for diabetes? Take a free, quick online assessment by clicking here.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
since cinnamon can cause heartburn, what would you recommend as the ideal amount to take, and how often. We plan to add it to our smoothies (wild blueberries and almond milk). Thanks.
There are several different varieties of cinnamon. Look for Ceylon Cinnamon, not Saigon Cinnamon. Check out The Peoples Pharmacy and the reports Joe and Terry Graedon summarize.
I am not a doctor nor a nurse. I have been using cinnamon for several years and I have found it to be very beneficial for me. that if I drink 3-4 oz of water just before taking capsule just so it will travel into digestive track without sticking, and I follow up with 3-4 oz of water when I take additional supplements.
There are 4 types of cinnamon. Again I am not a doctor nor a nurse, nor a dietician but my research and use of ceylon is safer for me . Do your research and talk with your doctor.
Cinnamon tastes great on toast and can be added to many food products. Moderation is key to eating. I have added another one of nature’s gifts to my own diet and that is Berberine. Research it.
I agree with Dianne. I take Berberine 2-3 times per day. My fasting glucose used to be in the range of 105-115. Now, my fasting blood sugar is in the 90s. I’m not diabetic but was concerned how my glucose had crept up over the years.
Is it recommended that 500 mg supplement is the best? Is a higher concentration better? I love cinnamon and use it a lot but I have not seen any help with my blood sugar numbers.
Did this study include people without a gallbladder ?
Please do a follow-up article as this one shows really good results.
My husband is diabetic. Would the cinnamon work for him
It does not say what is the best cinnamon to take. I have read some are not safe .
Can you please tell me which is the safe one ?