Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As a result, individuals are constantly seeking alternative methods to manage their blood sugar levels. One popular remedy that has gained attention is cinnamon.

And it’s actually one of the more well backed natural remedies, in this case there’s actually a plethora of studies that seem to show cinnamon has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and we’ll summarize a few of them below.

Generally speaking if you’re looking for some sort of natural supplement for diabetes you probably want to make sure it contains cinnamon along with the vitamins and minerals that can help support blood sugar levels. We tend to recommend SugaSafe as the best all in one option if you’re looking.

Now, there are some negative studies, and these generally seem to be on healthy people who do not have issues with blood sugar to begin with and those on people who have issues with glycaemic control seem to be positive.

Dosage of Cinnamon for Diabetes

The other thing that’s worth noting is that the positive studies tended to have doses of between 1-6 grams. There are some standardized extracts which will allow you to use less, but this is also another part that is common in the failed studies. They tended to use 500mg or less. A lot of higher quality supplements do use 4:1 extracts rather than raw cinnamon, as this allows them to get enough cinnamon along with other ingredients.

The Studies About Cinnamon and Blood Sugar

There have been quite a few studies on cinnamon’s effects on blood sugar, with the extract having been shown to improve glycaemic control in humans and in animals. We’ll summarize a few below.

The Studies About Cinnamon and Blood Sugar

There have been quite a few studies on cinnamon’s effects on blood sugar, with the extract having been shown to improve glycaemic control in humans and in animals. We’ll summarize a few below. There ae a lot more in favor of cinnamons use than the clinical trials and meta analysis than we've listed, these are just a few. 

The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes or with polycystic ovary syndrome: an umbrella meta-analysis on interventional meta-analyses

According to the paper, cinnamon supplementation can lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome. [1]

• Cinnamon can be used as an anti-diabetic agent and add-on treatment.
• Future studies needed to explore dosage, bioactive ingredients, and duration.

PROVISION OF CINNAMON BARK ETHANOL EXTRACT (Cinnamomum burmanii Blume) LOWER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS HYPERGLYCEMIC WISTAR RATS

According to the paper, cinnamon bark extract was able to reduce blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic wistar rats. [2]

• Cinnamon bark extract can reduce blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic rats.
• The extract contains polyphenols and flavonoids that have shown similar results in other studies.

Sweetly Improving Sugars? Reviewing Cinnamon's Effects on Blood Glucose.

The paper states that there’s some mixed evidence on whether cinnamon produces any significant effect on glucose parameters so we can’t be 100% sure, but leans mostly positive. As it states that there is some decent evidence and advises that clinicians should try it as an extra therapy as there’s pretty much no risk of side effects. [3]

• Cinnamon may have modest effects on improving glucose handling in adults.
• Cinnamon has a favorable safety profile with very few adverse events reported.

Influence of Cinnamon on Glycemic Control in Individuals With Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

In individuals with prediabetes, 12 weeks of cinnamon supplementation improved FPG and glucose tolerance, with a favorable safety profile, and longer and larger studies should address cinnamon’s effects on the rate of progression from predi diabetes to T2D. [4]

• Cinnamon supplementation improved fasting plasma glucose and glucose tolerance in individuals with prediabetes.
• Longer and larger studies should be conducted to further investigate cinnamon's effects on the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.

However it is worth noting that that cinnamon didn’t seem to effect healthy subjects who do not have any issues with blood sugar levels. Interestingly, it did seem to have some other antioxidant related benefits.

Effect of Cinnamon Addition to an High-Sugar Meal on the Postprandial Blood Glucose Response of Healthy Subjects 

Evidence is provided that inclusion of cinnamon in the mousse increased the phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of a semi-solid high-sugar meal, and did not improve glucose response in healthy subjects. [5]

• Inclusion of cinnamon in the meal increased phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
• Cinnamon did not improve glucose response in healthy subjects.

Conclusion

All in all there’s a decent amount of evidence that cinnamon can improve blood sugar control. And considering that it's pretty safe to incorporate cinnamon into one's diet means cinnamon is a low-risk aand viable addition for those looking to complement their diabetes management regimen. 

Cinnamon And Blood Sugar FAQ

Does The ADA Recommend Cinnamon?

American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not currently endorse the use of cinnamon in diabetes treatment.

Can cinnamon prevent diabetes?

While some research suggests that cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, it's not a guaranteed preventive measure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is more effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Is there a specific type of cinnamon that's better for diabetes?

Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon are the two most common types. Cassia cinnamon contains more coumarin, which may be harmful in excess. Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer for regular consumption.

Are there any risks associated with consuming cinnamon for diabetes?

Cinnamon is generally safe when used in moderation as a spice. However, some people may be allergic or sensitive to it. High doses of certain types of cinnamon may contain coumarin, which can be harmful in large quantities. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

References

1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37818728/

2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10022837/

3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36206028/

4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33123653/

5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9024929/