A little cinnamon is great in oatmeal or sprinkled on baked goods. If you like the taste, go ahead and enjoy it. But if you’re hoping it’ll help you manage your diabetes, put off enjoying it before you head to the spice rack.
It’s not clear whether cinnamon helps control diabetes symptoms. Research is inconsistent in this area, and the American Diabetes Association rejects the idea that cinnamon can play a role in diabetes treatment.
Some small studies have linked cinnamon to improved blood sugar levels. These findings suggest that cinnamon may lower blood sugar by reducing insulin resistance.
In one study, volunteers consumed 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon (one gram of cinnamon powder has about 2.5 ml) every day for 40 days. Researchers found that cinnamon lowered cholesterol by 18% and blood sugar by 24% in the volunteers. In other studies, however, the spice did not have a blood sugar or cholesterol-lowering effect.
Is cinnamon safe for people with diabetes?
People with diabetes can eat foods containing cinnamon, except for people with diabetes who have liver problems. Patients with liver problems should be cautious because high consumption of cinnamon may cause liver problems to worsen.
Patients with diabetes who are considering taking supplements containing cinnamon, especially if they are taking other medications, should consult with their doctor first. In addition, choose a brand with quality certifications. These include NSF International certification, U.S. Pharmacopeia certification, or Consumerlab certification. This helps ensure that the actual ingredients in the supplement match what is stated on the label and that there are no contaminants or potentially harmful ingredients.
Unlike drugs, supplement manufacturers are not required to certify that their products are safe or effective. But if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certifies that it is harmful to humans, the FDA can force it off the market.
Does cinnamon interact with other herbs or drugs?
Caution should be taken if patients are taking other blood sugar-lowering supplements, including:
- Lipoic acid
- Bitter melon
- Chromium supplements
- Devil’s claw
- Fenugreek
- Garlic
- Seven-leaf tree
- Ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- Flea grass
The same is true for diabetes medications. If you and your doctor are sure you can try cinnamon, you need to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar level drops too low, tell your doctor promptly.
Please note: Taking cinnamon with medicines that affect the liver may increase the risk of liver disease.