Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In a recent study that included 69 patients, researchers found that the group that consumed cinnamon extracts had significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise throughout the world. In 2000, 171 million people had diabetes and that number is expected to jump to 366 million people in 2030 (2). This is a major public health concern, considering the side effects of diabetes including glaucoma, loss of vision, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease and in severe cases, amputation (1,3). Finding methods of prevention and economical treatments have been a challenge until recently. Recent studies have shown cinnamon extract can improve blood sugar control.
The recent research included 69 patients (44 women, 25 men) over 48 years of age with type 2 diabetes (1). Participants had hemoglobin A1C levels greater than 7.0% and fasting blood glucose levels greater than 8.0 mmol/L and were all taking the same anti-diabetic medication (Diamicron, 30mg) (1). The participants were randomly divided into one of three groups:
– A low-dose cinnamon group (2 tablets, 120 mg cinnamon extract total).
– A high-dose cinnamon group (6 tablets, 360mg cinnamon extract total).
– A placebo group.
Hemoglobin A1C levels and fasting blood glucose levels were measured before the study treatment began and again after 3 months of supplementing with cinnamon or placebo (1). The hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced in the low and high dose cinnamon groups, while no change was seen in the placebo group (Hemoglobin A1c 8.93 to 8.93%; fasting glucose 8.92 to 8.71 mmol/L, baseline to post-treatment respectively ) (1).
Hemoglobin A1C levels decreased from 8.90 +/- 1.24% to 8.23 +/- 0.99 % in the low dose (120 mg per day) cinnamon group (P=0.003). And the hemoglobin A1c levels decreased from 8.92 +/- 1.35% to 8.00 +/- 1.00% in the high dose (360 mg per day) cinnamon group (P=0.0004).
The fasting blood glucose decreased from 9.00 +/- 1.23 mmol/L to 7.99 +/- 1.23 mmol/L in the low dose (120 mg per day) cinnamon group (P=0.002). The fasting blood glucose decreased from 11.21 +/- 2.21 mmol/L to 9.59 +/- 1.66 mmol/L in the high dose (360 mg per day) cinnamon group (P=0.00008).
Triglyceride levels decreased in the low dose cinnamon group from 2.93 +/- 2.08 mmol/L to 2.15 +/- 1.19 mmol/L (P<0.01) (1). There was no change in triglyceride levels seen in the high dose group. The low and high dose cinnamon also had no adverse effects on liver function (1).
In conclusion, cinnamon extract in addition to anti-diabetic medication effectively lowered hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood glucose levels. This information is promising for patients that cannot adequately control blood glucose levels with diet, exercise and medications (1). Future research with more participants should be considered and over a longer period of time to clarify why there was no change in triglyceride level in the high dose and to assure that the difference in baseline levels for fasting glucose did not skew the results.
* Note: Cinnamon extract was from the water-soluble fraction of cinnamon (1).
Source: Lu, Ting, Hongguang Sheng, Johnna Wu, Yuan Cheng, Jianming Zhu, and Yan Chen. “Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.” Nutrition research 32, no. 6 (2012): 408-412.
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Posted July 20, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at: www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Lu T, et al. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Res 2012 doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2012.05.003.
- Yang W, et al. Prevalence of diabetes among men and women in China. New Engl J Med 2010; 362:1090-101.
- American Diabetes Association website.
