Effects of Cinnamon on Blood Glucose among Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Individuals: A Comparative Study

Background: Various spices display insulin-potentiating activity in vitro, cinnamon spice in particular. In vivo studies show that cinnamon may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis; therefore the aim of this study was to further investigate the proposed health benefits of using cinnamon in humans. Methods: Aim. The present study was designed to investigate effects of supplementation with cinnamon on blood glucose among type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Sample. The sample consisted of 60 subjects; 30 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 30 subjects with type 2 diabetes. The doses were distributed equally over the day. Cinnamon was given in the form of powder with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The doses were given for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken on weeks 0 (starting day of the experiment) 1, 2, 3 and 4. The blood serum glucose of both types 1 and type 2 diabetic groups were determined. The primary statistical analyses included: the two factors (group x time) test, repeated-measures, and ANOVA for defining differences between the two groups over time. Findings: The mean fasting serum glucose levels for cinnamon doses on weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 241.5, 177.5, 143.83, 137.17 and 126.67 mg/dl for type 1 diabetic individuals, Vs mean fasting serum glucose levels were 254.33, 172.17, 138.17, 126.83 and 127.83 mg/dl for type 2 diabetic individuals. The cinnamon doses significantly (P<0.001) reduced the mean serum glucose levels among both groups. Conclusions: These data support the efficacy of cinnamon on reducing FBG in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and suggest that this naturally-occurring spice can reduce risk factors associated with diabetes. In light of this research, it is recommended that Type 1 & 2 diabetic individuals should use cinnamon in their food preparations on regular basis along with their antidiabetic medications. This will keep their sugar level near to normal values.