Type 2 Diabetes - Can Cinnamon Help Lower Your Blood Sugar?

By Beverleigh H Piepers

There is no known single diet to help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, a lot is known about different foods and nutrients that raise or lower blood sugar levels and raise or lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. And there is evidence a standard food spice you have in your kitchen food cupboard could help regulate your blood sugar? According to the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, MD, cinnamon stimulates the production of enzymes that increase the effectiveness of insulin. Researchers say the cinnamon acts as an insulin substitute for people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and helps the body to be less insulin-resistant.

So, as well as...

• avoiding foods that cause a dramatic rise in blood sugar which in turn generates large amounts of insulin to be produced and keeps the Type 2 diabetic's sugar levels high, and
• exercising regularly,

cinnamon is another natural treatment option that could help you lower your sugar readings naturally.


Organic cinnamon is available at most natural food stores, is inexpensive and has a great taste. If you wish to try cinnamon and use it to cut your fasting blood sugar levels by 18 to 29 percent, then it is suggested between one quarter to one teaspoon is used daily. You could add half this dose to your morning breakfast, and then use the remaining portion of the dose to your evening meal. Spacing your cinnamon intake out and building up slowly to the full amount would be the best approach to ensure you do not suffer any unwanted side effects, especially while your body becomes accustomed to the compounds called polyphenol polymers.

Always advise your health care provider about any changes you plan to make to your Type 2 diabetes treatment plan and this includes if you are considering adding cinnamon...

• so any allergies to the spice can be ruled out, and
• so they can ensure your blood sugar levels are responding positively to the spice.

Although cinnamon appears very safe to use, results will vary from person to person as we are all unique.

Also, to get a good gauge on how the cinnamon spice might be helping your blood sugar levels, daily testing is recommended especially in the beginning. Don't forget to document the results. Testing often and keeping records is the best way to see if, and by how much, the cinnamon is helping to normalize your blood sugar levels.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

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