Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar and Manage Diabetes?

Cinnamon And Blood Sugar

There are several debates on whether cinnamon has potential effects on lowering blood sugar levels and managing diabetes. Let's look at how it achieves that:

Cinnamon Has Hypoglycemic Effects That Affects Glucose Levels

According to this study, cinnamon has hypoglycemic effects that affect cells' ability to remove glucose from the blood, hence managing blood sugar levels. It also enhances insulin receptor signaling. Therefore, it boosts the transportation of glucose into cells, playing the role of balancing glucose levels in the blood.

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Cinnamon also enhances the activity of transporter proteins that move glucose out of the bloodstream into cells. Hence, it supports healthy blood glucose levels in the long run.

Cinnamon Lowers Insulin Resistance And Fasting Insulin Levels

Researchers in the same study mentioned above monitored a group of diabetic patients for 12 weeks as they used cinnamon to manage their diabetes alongside conventional medicine. The results revealed improved oxidative stress markers, reduced fasting blood glucose, and glycosylated Hb in diabetic patients.

Thus, insulin resistance improves in type 2 diabetic patients, leading to healthy blood sugar regulation.

Cinnamon Enhances Glycemic Control In Diabetic Individuals

Cinnamon has a potent supply of polyphenols, which have insulin-like activities that play a crucial role in gluconeogenesis in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, this leads us to believe that cinnamon enhances glycemic control in individuals with diabetes and helps them manage their health and blood sugar levels.

According to Renato Fernandes, Clinical Nutritionist

Studies suggest that just 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon a day can lower fasting blood sugar by up to 29%. But the type matters--Ceylon is the safer choice, while too much Cassia cinnamon can be tough on the liver.

Benefits Of Cinnamon For Diabetes

• Cinnamon has antiglycemic properties that manage glucose levels. Hence, it helps in managing diabetes. It works by counteracting the build-up of excess sugar, inhibiting its production.
• According to this health publication, cinnamon helps lower fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment. Therefore, it reveals that cinnamon helps lower blood sugar and minimizes further diabetic complications.
• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support healthy cells, improving insulin receptor signaling.
• There’s growing evidence that cinnamon extract rapidly induces the expression of tristetraprolin, an anti-inflammatory protein that supports partial prevention of insulin resistance and progression of diabetes.
• According to this 2017 study, cinnamon can minimize blood triglycerides and overall cholesterol concentrations. Thus, it’s associated with supporting healthy cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of diseases and adverse conditions linked to diabetes, such as cardiovascular and heart disease. Hence, cinnamon can be that special spice supporting your overall health and well-being.

Here’s a video of Dr. Eric Berg discussing the benefits of cinnamon for fixing diabetes.

How To Take Cinnamon To Manage Diabetes

Taking cinnamon to manage blood sugar and diabetes isn't rocket science. You can use it as a spice to sprinkle on your oats, apples, or baked goods or spice up your meals.

Whichever way you prefer, just ensure you use more than 4 grams per day, equivalent to ½ or one teaspoon.

You can also incorporate it into your drinks, especially smoothies and juices, to balance your glucose levels and enhance your flavor.

Another option is to take cinnamon dietary supplements if you can’t access the spice in your locality for one reason or another.

However, keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. Therefore, the quantity on labels may not be as accurate as presented. It’s best to consult your nutritionist for professional guidance.

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How Much Cinnamon Should You Take To Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Unfortunately, no guidelines exist on how much cinnamon you should take to lower your blood sugar levels. It is difficult to tell what you need per serving or the quantity of supplement that lowers blood sugar.

Different studies also have various recommendations on how much you should take. However, most give an average of 1g to 6g of cinnamon per day to naturally achieve healthy blood sugar levels.

We recommend you to take cinnamon naturally as a spice, but if you are using a supplement, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding quantity if you are unsure what to do.

Talking to a nutritionist is also vital to get professional insights on how much cinnamon you need and how to incorporate it into your diet.

Also Read - Vitamins and Supplements to Lower Blood Sugar

How Long Does Cinnamon Take To Lower Blood Sugar?

When it comes to how long it will take for cinnamon to lower blood sugar levels, no one size fits all. Results generally vary from one person to another, and what takes you one week can take another person more weeks to achieve the same results.

However, as seen in the study above, people who took up to 6g of cinnamon daily for 20 to 40 days consistently reported a boost in their glycemic levels, lower insulin resistance, and better glucose levels.

Therefore, consistency and healthy living are key to seeing positive results soon.

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