Do you have someone in your family who has diabetes? Or do you have diabetes yourself? Then you must have heard the story that "using cinnamon lowers blood sugar." Some people add a piece of cinnamon to their tea and drink it, add a little extra cinnamon to their food, all in the hope that they can control their diabetes. So today, let's talk about what is true or not in this story, and what science says about it.
Does cinnamon really lower blood sugar? What does the research say?
Simply put, there is still no clear, definitive conclusion about whether cinnamon helps with diabetes. The results of research on this topic are conflicting.
Some small-scale studies have shown a link between cinnamon use and improved blood sugar levels. According to these studies, cinnamon may help control blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance in the body.
For example, in one study, volunteers were given between 1 and 6 grams of cinnamon per day for 40 days. (One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon.) At the end of the study, researchers found that their cholesterol levels decreased by about 18% and their blood sugar levels by about 24%.
But, here's the important thing. In many other studies, cinnamon has not shown any significant reduction in blood sugar or cholesterol levels . Because of such contradictory results, major health organizations around the world, such as the American Diabetes Association, do not recommend the use of cinnamon as a diabetes treatment.
That means, there's nothing wrong with adding a little cinnamon to your food to flavor it. But it's not at all advisable to stop taking the medication your doctor prescribed to control your diabetes and use cinnamon alone.
Is it safe for someone with diabetes to use cinnamon?
The amount of cinnamon we usually use in our food is safe for most people. However, some types of cinnamon available in the market have been found to contain heavy metal contaminants such as lead. Therefore, it is important to buy good quality cinnamon from a trusted source.
There is one more thing to pay attention to. If you have any liver problems, consuming large amounts of cinnamon can worsen the condition . Therefore, if you have such a condition, you should be very careful when using cinnamon.
What you need to know about cinnamon supplements
Nowadays, some people take cinnamon powder in pills or capsules as supplements. If you are thinking of doing so, definitely do not do it without consulting your doctor for any reason . This advice is very important, especially if you are taking any other medications.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, the makers of these supplements are not legally required to prove that they are safe or effective. This means we can't be sure whether they actually contain what's on the label or whether they're mixed with other harmful ingredients. So if you're buying something like this, choosing a product with a quality certification logo like NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, or Consumerlab can give you some assurance of its quality.
Does cinnamon interact with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, this is a very important question. Cinnamon, especially in large amounts, can interact with other medications or herbs you are taking.
In particular, you should be very careful when taking cinnamon with other herbal supplements that lower blood sugar levels. Because the effects of both can combine and cause your blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low . This condition is called hypoglycemia.
The table below lists some of the herbs and substances that you should be careful of.
| Herb / substance | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Bitter melon | It has the property of lowering blood sugar levels. |
| Fenugreek | May help lower blood sugar levels. |
| Garlic | Consuming too much can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Isabgol (Psyllium) | May affect sugar absorption. |
| Alpha lipoic acid | A supplement that lowers sugar levels. |
| Chromium | Affects insulin action. |
| Panax ginseng | It has the property of lowering sugar levels. |
Not only that, but there are also risks when you take cinnamon with diabetes medications. So, if you and your doctor have discussed and decided to try cinnamon, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly . If you feel your blood sugar levels are getting too low, let your doctor know right away .
Taking cinnamon (especially in large doses) with other medications that affect the liver may further increase the risk of liver disease.
Take-Home Message
- While it's okay to add a little cinnamon to your food to flavor it, keep in mind that it is not a scientifically proven cure for diabetes.
- Because research results showing that cinnamon lowers blood sugar are conflicting, don't rely solely on cinnamon to manage your diabetes.
- If you have a liver condition, be very careful as taking too much cinnamon can make it worse.
- If you are considering taking cinnamon as a supplement, never start it without asking your doctor .
- Always keep in mind that cinnamon can react with other diabetes medications or herbs you are taking and cause your blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low, so talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any changes.
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