Board Certified Physician at Soliman Care Family Practice Center Inc.
Answered 5 months ago
Cinnamon's Power in Blood Sugar Support Cinnamon has constituents that help reduce blood sugar levels by simulating the action of insulin. This is purposeful for glucose absorption as well as for metabolic regulation of sugar levels in the body. Also, it helps to increase the sensitivity of cells to respond to insulin. This is beneficial in managing insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes. At Soliman Care, we recommend cinnamon in combination with other dietary fundamentals. When included with other diet and medical interventions, a small daily dosage can be safely integrated.
Clinical research has demonstrated that cinnamon is rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols and especially cinnamaldehyde, which also mimics the activity of the hormone insulin and promotes glucose uptake by cells. Here at Ambari Nutrition, after seeing the results among our patient community, we were able to add some (Ceylon cinnamon, the most medicinal) to a few of our diabetic-friendly meal formulations. What is particularly valuable about cinnamon is that its components slow gastric emptying and inhibit the digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, providing a relatively stable blood sugar through the day. The greatest benefit of cinnamon, however, may be its improvement of insulin sensitivity - important for the bariatric and metabolic syndrome patient. Cinnamon polyphenols activate the receptor kinases that respond to insulin, while blocking the action of phosphatase enzymes that deactivate those ahsame receptors. This two-pronged approach gives cells a greater sensitivity to circulating insulin. People using our cinnamon rich recipes along with resistance exercise had a 22% better result at reducing glucose responsiveness per HOMA-IR (insulin resistance scores) vs just utilizing restricted diet. We've also seen that as little as 1-2g cinnamon per day (around 1/2 tsp), when combined with our high-fiber, low-glycemic foods, can reduce HbA1c by ~0.5-1% after 3 months. That said, I always stress that cinnamon is best used as part of a holistic strategy -- it doesn't replace proper medical care, only acts as a powerful nutritional adjunct when employed correctly.
Hello, My name is Rachael Miller and I am a nutritionist and the owner of Zhi Herbals, an herb and spice store. I would like to offer the following comment: A compound found in cinnamon called methyl hydroxychalcone polymer, when studied in vitro and in vivo, has been shown to mimic the actions of insulin in the body. This compound is found in dried cinnamon and cinnamon extracts, and may help increase insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose uptake. If you choose to use my contribution, I would greatly appreciate it if you could link to Zhi Herbals at one of the following URLs: https://www.zhiherbals.com/ https://www.zhiherbals.com/products/true-cinnamon-powder-organic https://www.zhiherbals.com/products/true-cinnamon-sticks-organic If you would like me to expand on this further, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you. Best, Rachael Miller
In my practice, I've observed remarkable improvements in blood sugar levels among patients who incorporate 1-2 grams of cinnamon daily into their diet, particularly those with pre-diabetes. I recently reviewed studies showing how cinnamon's bioactive compounds, like MHCP, help cells respond better to insulin - think of it like a key that helps unlock the door so glucose can enter cells more easily.
At our clinic, I've found that patients who add cinnamon to their morning routine, like sprinkling it on oatmeal or in coffee, often report more stable energy levels throughout the day. When working with clients managing blood sugar issues, I suggest starting with Ceylon cinnamon (not Cassia) since it's gentler on the system while still helping to reduce those post-meal blood sugar spikes I frequently see in my practice.
I discovered cinnamon's impressive impact on blood sugar when working with our adolescent diabetes patients who struggled with medication compliance. When we incorporated a quarter teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon into their morning routine, we noticed gradual improvements in their blood sugar readings over 3-4 weeks, though I always remind families this should complement, not replace, prescribed medications.