Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine whether cinnamon improves blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
A total of 60 people with type 2 diabetes, 30 men and 30 women aged 52.2 +/- 6.32 years, were divided randomly into six groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consumed 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon daily, respectively, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were given placebo capsules corresponding to the number of capsules consumed for the three levels of cinnamon. The cinnamon was consumed for 40 days followed by a 20-day washout period.


RESULTS
After 40 days, all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose (18-29%), triglyceride (23-30%), LDL cholesterol (7-27%), and total cholesterol (12-26%) levels; no significant changes were noted in the placebo groups. Changes in HDL cholesterol were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Khan
Alam
A
Department of Human Nutrition, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Safdar
Mahpara
M
Ali Khan
Mohammad Muzaffar
MM
Khattak
Khan Nawaz
KN
Anderson
Richard A
RA
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002935:Cinnamomum zeylanicum; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides