How Is Cinnamon Used for Diabetes?
Cinnamon’s Effect on Insulin Cinnamon seems to help lower blood glucose levels by increasing the effect of insulin. According to Laura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, in an article written November 1, 2004, the active ingredient in cinnamon (hydroxychalcone) may target insulin receptors in the body which, in turn, increases insulin sensitivity. As a result, glucose is more readily taken into the body’s cells and converted into glycogen. Cinnamon has been used to help treat Type 2 diabetes, as well as for other medical conditions such as gastrointestinal upsets and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Preventive Action Cinnamon may help prevent the onset of diabetes in those who are at risk of developing the disease. In addition, in a study published in the December 2003 Diabetes Care magazine, 60 people with Type 2 diabetes who were taking diabetes medications were given either 1, 3 or 6 g of cassia cinnamon or a placebo. The participants took the cinnamon tablets for 40 days. When this por
