From the Guidelines
Cinnamon is not a diabetic medicine and should not be used as a replacement for prescribed diabetes medications. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 in the journal Diabetes Care 1, recommends that dietary supplementation with herbs, such as cinnamon, is not recommended for glycemic benefits. This study emphasizes the importance of individualized meal plans and medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes, rather than relying on supplements or herbal products.
The evidence from previous studies, such as those published in 2014 and 2016 1, also suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of cinnamon or other herbs/supplements for the treatment of diabetes. While some studies suggest that cinnamon may have modest effects on blood glucose levels, the evidence is inconsistent and insufficient to recommend it as a treatment for diabetes.
If you have diabetes, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. Adding cinnamon to your diet as a spice is generally safe for most people, but taking high-dose cinnamon supplements could potentially interact with certain medications, including some diabetes drugs, and may cause side effects in some individuals. Always discuss any supplements or complementary approaches with your healthcare provider before incorporating them into your diabetes management plan.
Some key points to consider when managing diabetes include:
- Following a personalized meal plan that takes into account individual needs and preferences
- Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Avoiding supplements or herbal products that are not recommended by a healthcare provider
- Discussing any concerns or questions with a healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcomes.
From the Research
Cinnamon as a Diabetic Medicine
- The use of cinnamon as a diabetic medicine has been studied in several randomized controlled trials, with mixed results 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some studies have found that cinnamon can reduce fasting blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes 3, 6.
- However, other studies have found no significant effect of cinnamon on glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels or other measures of glycemic control 2, 4, 5.
- A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials found that cinnamon reduced levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and increased levels of HDL-C, but had no significant effect on HbA1c levels 6.
- The evidence suggests that cinnamon may have some benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes, but the results are inconsistent and more research is needed to fully understand its effects 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Key Findings
- Cinnamon may reduce fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes 3, 6.
- Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes 3.
- Cinnamon has no significant effect on HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 4, 5, 6.
- Cinnamon may have beneficial effects on lipid profiles, including reducing total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and increasing HDL-C 6.
Limitations of the Evidence
- The evidence is based on a limited number of randomized controlled trials, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cinnamon on diabetes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The trials that have been conducted have had small sample sizes and short durations, which may limit their ability to detect significant effects 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- There is high heterogeneity between the trials, which may limit the ability to apply the results to patient care 6.