A potential role of Cinnamon in improvement of glycemic control in untreated diabetic patients

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with a whole cinnamon on glycemic control measurements. Methods and materials: forty eighth patients with Diabetes mellitus type II who are not received any hypoglycemic agents nor on insulin therapy, (aged ≥ 38 years and body mass index ≤ 30kg/m2),their fasting blood glucose: levels between (186–332mg/dl) were randomly assigned to supplement cinnamon 1g, 2g, and 4g or a placebo for three months. Main outcome measures were changed in fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, kidney function tests like: blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine , and liver function tests represented Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase ,Alkaline phosphatase measured after three months of supplementation. Results: After 3months, all three doses of cinnamon 1g, 2g, and 4g showed significant decreases in the fasting blood glucose (16.91–18.37%), postprandial blood glucose (16.16–16.6%), and glycated hemoglobin (15.02-17.3%) levels; no significant changes were noted in the placebo groups or in kidney function tests; blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and liver function tests; Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, and Alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions: The results support the efficiency of cinnamon supplementation on reducing fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin in patients with the diabetes mellitus and suggest that this naturally-occurring spice can reduce risk factors associated with diabetes.