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Diabetes

Effects of Cinnamon on Diabetes

07/14/2009

Question:

I am 78 and my fasting sugar is 106. There is some family history of diabetes II. Will taking cinnamon tablets help any, and if so, how much?

Answer:

The evidence from controlled clinical trials on cinnamon in blood sugar control is limited and what evidence there is is mixed.  On balance across a population the magnitude of effect if any is small however there can be substantial individual differences.  There is relatively little risk to trying cinnamon alone - if used in conjunction with a clearly effective glucose lowering drug, there could theoretically be slightly more risk although still not much.  It is always good advice to review current lifestyle (including diet, exercise) with a certified diabetes educator to figure out what the best first steps might be for non-drug interventions.  The advice of a health care professional in deciding about blood sugar goals and the possible use of drugs to help lower blood sugar as well would be prudent also.

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Response by:

Robert M Cohen, MD Robert M Cohen, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati