{"id":630146,"date":"2024-11-04T09:30:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T14:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630146"},"modified":"2025-08-12T17:52:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T21:52:11","slug":"cinnamon-for-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cinnamon-for-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"How cinnamon lowers blood sugar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when your body can\u2019t regulate blood sugar levels. Consistently elevated blood sugar causes health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage, particularly in your feet and eyes. Diabetes treatment usually includes <\/span>medications<\/span><\/a>, such as oral medications, non-insulin injectable medicines, and sometimes insulin<\/a>, depending on which type of diabetes you have as well as your blood glucose control. On top of that, paying close attention to what you eat and drink is a major part of living with this condition\u2014no matter if you have prediabetes, Type 1, or Type 2 <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a>. Why? Certain foods cause <\/span>rapid blood sugar spikes<\/span>, while others affect it more gradually or may even help to lower blood sugar or keep it relatively steady. One of these foods, unexpectedly, is cinnamon.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Amy Sapola<\/span>, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacist at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, cinnamon may have a modest impact on blood sugar levels. It may also help reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels. This means this common pantry staple could be a good addition to your diabetes care plan. Here\u2019s what to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does cinnamon lower blood sugar?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Current research suggests that cinnamon may be able to help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, says <\/span>Erin Palinski-Wade<\/span>, RD, CDCES, New Jersey-based dietitian and author of <\/span>2 Day Diabetes Diet<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several studies have been published demonstrating cinnamon\u2019s positive effects on blood sugar control; a <\/span>review of studies<\/span><\/a>\u00a0found that eight out of 14 recent clinical trials on humans showed that cinnamon reduced fasting blood sugar and <\/span>hemoglobin A1C<\/span><\/a> in participants with Type 2 diabetes. A small <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> demonstrated similar antidiabetic properties when participants took 1,000 milligrams of cinnamon per day over 12 weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, some research demonstrates the heart health benefits of cinnamon\u2014a good thing for people with diabetes who are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon may improve triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, including LDL cholesterol, says <\/span>Lindsay Malone<\/span><\/a>, MS, RDN, LD, an instructor in the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University. A <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found significant reductions in blood lipids (including triglycerides and total cholesterol) in people taking supplemental cinnamon.<\/span><\/p>\n

The study of cinnamon and blood sugar levels involves many variables. Palinski-Wade<\/a> notes that the dosage, type of cinnamon, and an individual\u2019s response to cinnamon can all affect how effective it is or isn\u2019t for blood sugar management.<\/span><\/p>\n

On top of that, while much of the evidence is positive, it\u2019s still not overwhelmingly in favor of using cinnamon for glycemic control. Some studies show little to no benefit, with cinnamon having only a modest effect on blood sugar, says <\/span>Akhil Shenoy<\/span><\/a>, MD, a physician board-certified in endocrinology and medical adviser at Aeroflow Diabetes. Plus, there needs to be more consistency in the research, with formulations varying widely from study to study.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How much cinnamon should I take daily to lower blood sugar?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no official recommendation regarding the amount of cinnamon you should take to lower your blood sugar. Different studies have all used varying amounts, ranging from 120 milligrams to 6,000 milligrams per day, notes Dr. Shenoy. However, several experts suggest starting with a dose between 1,000 milligrams and 2,000 milligrams, or between one half and one full teaspoon, per day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experts also recommend splitting up your intake throughout the day, dividing your daily cinnamon into two or three doses, and pairing it with meals containing carbohydrates for the best absorption. Malone suggests:<\/span><\/p>\n