Cinnamon Cure for High Blood Sugar

Cinnamon is growing increasingly popular as a nutritional supplement for adults with diabetes or hyperglycemia. The active compounds in cinnamon are remarkable because they address not only high blood sugar itself, but also high cholesterol, a common problem in adults with diabetes.

Preparing

Many adults with type 2 diabetes have successfully managed their blood sugar using a combination of cinnamon and other nutritional supplements. While natural compounds can help to make the disease more manageable, cinnamon cannot cure diabetes overnight or provide full relief from all of its symptoms. Insulin-dependent diabetics should consult a doctor before discontinuing their treatment program, and the cinnamon cure for diabetes should only be pursued under the guidance of a medical professional.

Selecting a Supplement

In the U.S., two types of cinnamon are sold in supermarkets and supplement stores, cinnamomum zeylanicum and cinnamomum cassia. Cinnamomum cassia is the form that has been most widely used in scientific studies of cinnamon's medical efficacy, and it is also the most common culinary form of the plant. Capsules containing cinnamon cassia bark are among the most popular and effective options. Choose brands that offer guaranteed potency and certification from third-party laboratories. The compounds in cinnamon that help to stabilize blood sugar are water soluble, so cinnamon oil is not an effective medicine.

The Program

Several studies, including a 2003 Pakistani trial by Alam Khan and others, have shown that as little as 1 gram per day of cinnamon bark can help to stabilize blood sugar and lower LDL cholesterol. Higher doses, up to 6 grams, are more effective. To help stabilize blood sugar levels before, during and after meals, it is best to take 2 grams of cinnamon with each meal. Check your blood sugar as usual to document any changes that you experience during treatment with cinnamon. Diabetes symptoms will usually improve within three weeks.

Lifestyle Adjustments

The cinnamon cure for high blood sugar, like any treatment program, is more effective when it is combined with other healthy lifestyle choices. Cinnamon can decrease the symptoms of high blood sugar, but it will not enable people with severe diabetes to eat sugary foods with no risk of consequence. People using cinnamon for high blood sugar should eat a low-sugar, natural diet, maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly.

Cinnamon in Food

Some naturopathic physicians and nutritionists recommend that people with diabetes increase their cinnamon consumption beyond what a supplement provides. Spiced teas, ciders and desserts may become easier to metabolize if cinnamon is added to them. People with diabetes may also add cinnamon to breads, sweet potatoes, vegetable dishes and even meats. As a condiment, cinnamon is remarkably versatile.