Can Cinnamon Help Manage Blood Sugar? Here Is What You Should Know

Managing diabetes is crucial commitment that requires consistent watch on what you eat to monitor the glucose level. Cinnamon has been extensively used in Ayurveda for decades. The brown-colour sticks contain key antioxidants that can bring down oxidative stress linked to chronic disease such as diabetes. The spice can increase insulin sensitivity and helps in moving sugar from bloodstream into cells that can benefit diabetics. Consuming cinnamon can reduce blood sugar levels post meals and decrease diabetes mellitus and heart disease risks.

According to Dr Saleem Zaidi, “cinnamon is not just a spice. It is a powerful remedy. It contains Cinnamaldehyde that improves insulin sensitivity and keeps blood sugar balanced. Research indicates that regular consumption of cinnamon can lower fasting sugar levels.”

Mix half teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink it everyday on empty stomach. Don’t use too much of cassia cinnamon as it contains coumarin that can damage liver. Prefer Ceylon cinnamon which is Sri Lankan cinnamon, suggested Dr Zaidi. Therefore, if you want to keep diabetes under control, make sure you add cinnamon to your diet, concluded Dr Zaidi.

According to a research conducted by National Library of Medicine, “there is evidence that cinnamon provides glucose regulation. It is not known for sure whether it controls the type 2 diabetes mellitus. Procyanidin type-A polymers found in cinnamon are stated to improve insulin receptor autophosphorylation and, thus, show their effect by increasing the sensitivity to insulin.”

Cinnamon Benefits For Blood Sugar Management

1. Increases Insulin Sensitivity: Cinnamon can help in reducing blood sugar by imitating insulin effects. It can boost the insulin sensitivity that can make insulin more effective at moving sugar into cells. According to report featured in Healthline, 80 people suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS discovered that intake of 1.5 grams of cinnamon powder everyday for 12 days decreased fasting insulin levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity.   

2. High In Antioxidants: Cinnamon can offer adequate antioxidants that can help the body reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been associated with the development of almost all chronic disease that includes type 2 diabetes as well.

3. Reduces Fasting Blood Sugar: Cinnamon can help you improve the blood sugar management. According to a report published in National Library of Medicine, studies on individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes found out that cinnamon can potentially decrease fasting blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. The spice can also reduce hemoglobin A1c, an essential measure for long-term blood sugar control. However, more studies are required to study these effects of cinnamon. It is worth noting here that the spice should never be used as an alternative to medicines to manage blood sugar levels.

4. Decreases Blood Sugar Post Meals: Blood sugar levels tend to surge slightly after food consumption depending on the meal size and carbohydrates content available in it. Such blood sugar shifts may surge oxidative stress and inflammation that can harm body’s cells and lead to chronic disease in longer run. Cinnamon can manage blood sugar spikes post meals by reducing the rate at which food empties out of the stomach.  

You may also include aloe vera juice and Psyllium husk if you are trying to keep your sugar levels under control.

Aloe vera has emerged as one of nature’s most beneficial plants that can cure skin irritation, support digestion, moisturise skin, and reduce inflammation. Latest studies indicate that aloe vera has emerged beneficial in supporting healthy blood sugar levels.

According to a study featured in National Library of Medicine, “The medicinal plant Aloe vera has been utilised for centuries as an anti-hyperglycemic drug that may be helpful in the treatment of diabetes and pre-diabetes. It has been noted to improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation. Numerous chemical elements, including chromium and alprogen, which are prevalent in Aloe vera, can repair injured pancreatic beta cells, increase insulin action, and lower blood sugar levels.”

Aloe vera contains properties that can lower fasting blood glucose levels. It contains compounds namely polysaccharides and phytosterols that can enhance insulin sensitivity. Improved insulin sensitivity helps the body to use glucose more efficiently that can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, aloe vera can decrease oxidative stress in the body.

Oxidative stress is frequently linked with chronic diseases, including diabetes. The presence of antioxidants in aloe vera can protect cells from damage and support overall metabolic health.  Aloe vera juice also improved both blood sugar and blood fatty acid levels for individuals with pre-diabetes. 

Another popular food to manage diabetes is Psyllium husk. It is also known as Isabgol husk. It can provide various health benefits and especially for diabetics. It forms a gel in the gut that can slow down carbohydrate digestion, bring down post-meal sugar spikes, and reduce fasting glucose. It supports in reducing cholesterol, improves insulin sensitivity, and support weight management plans by enhancing the feeling of fullness. The presence of soluble fibre in psyllium husk can support heart health and digestion. Psyllium husk is made from the husk of plantago ovata plant’s seeds.    

According to a report featured in World Health Organisation (WHO), “Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.”

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Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.