Herbal Treatment for Diabetes - Cinnamon

Herbal Treatment for Diabetes - Cinnamon

Herbal Treatment for Diabetes - Cinnamon

Any discussion of herbs for diabetes has to start with cinnamon. Cinnamon is thought to possibly act as an insulin sensitizer, like metformin (brand name Glucophage and others) and the thiazolidinedione drugs (such as Actos). A study of 60 adults with Type 2 in Diabetes Care Showed an average glucose level drop of 18% to 29% in those who took cinnamon, and better cholesterol levels compared to placebo (inactive treatment). Even though there is generally no money to study herbs, people started to get excited and some small follow-up studies were done.

One, also published in Diabetes Care, was done in Oklahoma City. Forty-three adults with Type 2 were split into two groups, and no significant differences were found between cinnamon and placebo groups.