Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
A social media post claims that cinnamon can control blood sugar levels. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Half True.
The Claim
A Pinterest post discusses a recipe for cinnamon tea claiming that drinking it will control blood sugar levels.
We have attached a screenshot of the post below:
Cinnamon is often associated with the belief that it can cure various health conditions. However, THIP Media has debunked the claim that a combination of cinnamon and apple cider vinegar can cure type 2 diabetes. In another fact-check, we refuted the notion that honey and cinnamon, when combined, can cure a long list of diseases, including cancer and arthritis.
Fact Check
What is blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar levels represent the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream, crucial for cellular energy. Measurements, expressed in mg/dL, include fasting, postprandial, and random levels, with deviations indicating conditions like diabetes. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation and guidance.
Blood sugar levels outside the normal range can be considered abnormal. For fasting blood glucose levels:
- Normal: Typically below 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose): 100 to 125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
These values can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific testing method used. Moreover, abnormal blood sugar levels is a sign of diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that disrupts how your body processes glucose. This error causes high blood sugar in the body. Increased thirst, hunger, and frequent urination are some signs of diabetes.
Furthermore, there are two main types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs by a combination of factors, including insulin resistance (when cells become less responsive to insulin) and impaired insulin production by the pancreas. Whereas type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means the body stops producing insulin altogether.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a warm, sweet spice made from the inner bark of several species of evergreen trees from the genus Cinnamomum. The most common types of cinnamon are Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia).
Cinnamon is a good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound. So, it has potential health benefits.
However, it is important to note that cinnamon can also interact with some medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before consuming large amounts of cinnamon.
Can cinnamon control blood sugar levels?
Possible. Cinnamon has been studied for its potential effects on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Some research suggests that cinnamon may have a beneficial impact on blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Our research shows that cinnamon has been long associated with preventing diabetes. It contains molecules that have characteristics similar to those of insulin. However, trials on cinnamon and diabetes have given mixed results. Cinnamon might only slightly lower blood sugar, and most studies could not prove whether it helps manage diabetes.
Voomika Mukherjee is a certified dietitian and health coach. She cautioned that cinnamon can not replace diabetic medicines. However, adding either of these to the diet would assist in reducing the symptoms.
Moreover, there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. People can only manage it with regular blood sugar tests, changes in diet and lifestyle, and sometimes with medicines.
Besides this, there are research papers that do not recommend it as they did not find cinnamon to affect diabetes. Also, there are no clear guidelines on how much cinnamon to take. So, there is not enough proof to say that cinnamon can replace diabetes medication.
Dr. Ritesh Bansal is the founder and Senior Consultant Diabetologist at the Delhi-based Saroj Diabetes & Research Center. He informs, “Regarding the claim, it has been seen that cinnamon has many health benefits. These are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that even reduce insulin resistance. These serve a supportive role”.
Similar to cinnamon, we have also previously debunked the notion that eating onions control blood sugar.
Dr. Bansal further adds, “The majority of diabetic patients constantly search for alternative medical treatments that might be helpful. This is because all diabetic patients are instructed to maintain a specific blood sugar level through diet, lifestyle changes, and allopathic medications. Therefore, these natural therapies can benefit those who have lifestyle issues. Still, the patient needs to be closely monitored while using such natural remedies and is advised to follow his/her medical treatment as suggested by their doctors.”
What are other potential benefits of cinnamon for diabetics?
The potential benefits of cinnamon for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to control blood sugar levels have been a subject of interest in scientific research. Here is a more detailed explanation:
- Effects on blood sugar levels: Cinnamon contains bioactive compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde, which may have an impact on how your body handles glucose (sugar). Another study suggests that cinnamon contains glutathione which can improve blood sugar levels.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Research has proposed that cinnamon might enhance insulin sensitivity, meaning cells become more responsive to insulin’s actions, aiding in better sugar absorption and utilization by the body.
- Slows down digestion: Cinnamon may also influence the rate at which carbohydrates are digested and absorbed. Slowing down this process could potentially lead to a more gradual rise in blood sugar after meals, rather than a rapid spike.
- Types of cinnamon and dosage: Not all cinnamon varieties are the same. Ceylon cinnamon (also known as true cinnamon) and Cassia cinnamon are the two main types. Cassia cinnamon, which is more common, contains higher levels of coumarin, a compound that in large amounts could be harmful to the liver. Ceylon cinnamon has lower levels of coumarin. As for dosage, studies have used varying amounts of cinnamon, but there’s no universally established dosage for its beneficial effects.
We need more research to definitively establish its effectiveness and the most appropriate dosage. Moreover, cinnamon should not be seen as a replacement for prescribed diabetes medications or a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Also, responses to cinnamon can vary among individuals. Factors like overall health, genetics, diet, and the type of diabetes can influence how effective cinnamon might be in managing blood sugar levels.
If considering cinnamon supplementation, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have diabetes or any other health condition. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific health needs and help determine if cinnamon supplementation is suitable for you and at what dosage.
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