cinnamon - Diabetes Message Board

bjk47 · 03-09-2001, 04:31 PM

Hi, me again. Anyone have any experience with cinnamon lowering blood sugars? I have been trying cinnamon and have found it to definately help lower my sugars. I am currently taking about 1 tsp, in capsules, with each meal that I have any carbs.

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JB · 03-10-2001, 08:36 AM

This cinnanim thing is interesting to me. I have a question--does your meal consist of 3 carbs at 15 grams each or does it help you even if your carb intake for that meal is over 45 grams?
Also, do you know of any side effects from cinnamin? Does it interfer with any other drugs like those for lowering blood pressure or cholesterol?
Somehow, it just seems to easy, but yet, if it works, why not try it?
I'll be looking forward to your answer.
Thanks

bjk47 · 03-10-2001, 10:30 AM

Yes it does sound easy and probably why no one researched it is that there is no big money profit involved. I read about this in a health magazine from my food co-op. Then I was concerned about the large amount of a spice probably not used in these quanities. I just went to the internet and typed in cinnamon/diabetes and am finding more sites as I continue to look. But the only one I can find with any scientific data refers to a Dr Richard Anderson who is to soon begin a research study with humans on the effects of cinnamon and blood sugar. He said it can't hurt you and may help. I look forward to more info or studies. I started with 1 tsp a meal and my fbs was down 20 points the next day. But then I got concerned about the amount, researched it more and am now taking 1tsp with meals and 1/2tsp with snacks and adding it to any cooking that fits with the spice. I make a great oat bran muffin which I add liberal amounts of cinnamon. I got veggie capsules at my co-op, size 00, and fill them with bulk cinnamon. 5-6 capsules=1tsp.

As to the carb question. 45 is way to many for me!!!!! I have had diabetes for 4 years and am continuing to struggle with the right solution I can live with and stay healthy and satisfied. I am currently trying to be very conscious of carbs and limit myself to 15gm per meal and two 7 1/2gm snacks a day. I read in the Dr Schwartzenbein(sp)book that this fits my activity level. If you are a lot more active and or are not trying to loose weight a higher # of carbs would be ok. What do your 1 or 2hr post eating blood sugars look like with 45 or more carbs a meal--that is the bottom line, what the amount does to your blood sugar.

JB · 03-10-2001, 02:53 PM

I, too, checked out cinnamon on the internet sites and it is used to lower blood glucose numbers. The Chinese used it for its medicinal properties many, many years ago. It can also be used for other things. It somehow makes the body more efficiently use insulin. But it says 1/4 to 1/2 teasp. after each meal should do it. I will try and see what happens.
With eating 45 grams per meal, 2 hours after eating, by blood sugar number is usually in the 110-120 range. However, the amount of each carb. is like 1/2 baked pot. (small), 1/2 cup of other potatoes, 1/2 cup of corn, 1 glass of skim milk, and sometimes a 15 gram dessert like non-fat, no sugar added yogurt, a low flat 1/2 cup serving of pudding. I walk 2 mi. a day 4 days a week also. BUT I realize that I am in the beginning stages of this thing and it could and most likely will get much worse as time goes on. So far, limiting each meal to that amount and sometimes having a 10grm. carb snack such as a sugar-less fudge bar between meals or 3 cups of popcorn, I have lost 13 lbs. But then again, I know that this good result will most likely not always happen, but for now it works.
I am going to try the cinnamon, however.
And also monitor anyone else's comments on taking this spice.

bjk47 · 03-10-2001, 09:41 PM

It sounds like you blood sugars are under pretty good control. It doesn't necessarily get worse as time goes on though. My understanding is that with good control of blood sugars the complications are eliminated and or greately reduced. I lost then gained 14 lbs last year with a lot of stress in my life. I think that is part of the reason I am having greater difficulty in getting my sugars normal. I keep going through stages of denial with this disease. I go through phases of self pity and anger, then get emotional and eat for comfort. But I keep trying to jump back on the wagon, educating and motivating myself. I am doing really well now. It is really about a big change in life style.