Cinnamon can improve blood sugar control in people with prediabetes

Cinnamon improves blood sugar control in people with prediabetes and may slow progression to type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society Magazine.

Nearly 90 million people in the United States are estimated to have prediabetes, which occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal and often leads to type 2 diabetes. Identify strategies to prevent progression from prediabetes to diabetes Type 2 is challenging, but important for a large population.

“Our 12-week study showed beneficial effects of adding cinnamon to the diet to keep blood sugar levels stable in participants with prediabetes,” said corresponding study author Giulio R. Romeo, MD, of the Joslin Diabetes Center. in Boston, Massachusetts. “These findings provide the rationale for larger and longer studies to address whether cinnamon can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.”

The randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of cinnamon supplementation in 51 participants with prediabetes. Participants received a 500 mg cinnamon capsule or placebo three times a day for 12 weeks. The researchers found that cinnamon supplements reduced abnormal fasting glucose levels and improved the body’s response to a carbohydrate meal, which are characteristic of prediabetes. Cinnamon was well tolerated and was not associated with specific side effects or adverse events.