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Diabetic Starvation
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Is Cinnamon the God Spice for Type II Diabetics?
By Marjet Heitzer, Ph.D.
The Plateau-proof Diet Foundation
Http://www.plateauproofdiet.com
The incidence of Type II diabetes is on the rise in the
United States, and it is directly related to the obesity
epidemic currently occurring in the U.S. This article will
discuss the benefits of dietary consumption of cinnamon on
stabilizing blood glucose levels in persons with Type II
diabetes. However, replacing any current medication with
cinnamon or suspending the use of any medication is not
recommended. Individuals with Type II diabetes should consult
their physician before making any dietary changes.
Given the side effects from drugs commonly used to combat Type
II diabetes, the search for dietary means to stabilize blood
glucose levels in Type II diabetes is a constant quest (1). For
example, some of the potential side effects include: weight
gain, upset stomach, rash, nausea, weakness, dizziness, anemia,
and liver diseases. One class of drugs used for Type II
diabetes, sulfonylureas, induce increased insulin by the
pancreas as well as aid in glucose clearing from the blood.
However, because of the numerous side effects such as low blood
sugar, blurred vision, cold sweats, headache, nausea, and
weakness as well as others, associated with sulfonylureas,
alternative food-based, dietary means of stabilizing blood
glucose in individuals with Type II diabetes would be highly
beneficial.
Cinnamon, derived from the inner bark of Cinnamonum cassia,
Cinnamonum saigonicum, or Cinnamonum zeylanicum as well as
leaves in the form of oil, has long been used by people in
Korea, China, and Russia suffering from Type II diabetes. There
are a number of ways in which cinnamon consumption is thought to
affect Type II diabetes, including increasing insulin
sensitivity by increasing plasma insulin levels and possibly by
mimicking insulin itself (2, 3).
A key study performed by Khan et al. addressed the potential
use of cinnamon as a treatment for Type II diabetes (4). The
individuals recruited for this test were diagnosed with Type II
diabetes, over the age of 40, and currently not taking insulin.
Furthermore, their fasting blood glucose was between 140-400
mg/dl. At the beginning of the study, blood glucose,
triglyceride, and serum cholesterol levels were measured for
each participant. Then, study participants received capsules
containing either cinnamon derived from Cinnamonum cassia or
wheat flour (placebo controls) and were instructed to take 1, 3,
or 6 grams each day for 40 days. Again blood glucose,
triglyceride, and serum cholesterol levels were measured after
20 days and 40 days in addition to 20 days after the
participants ceased taking the capsules. This study showed that
cinnamon consumption in any amount for 20 or 40 days decreased
blood glucose levels 18-30% as well as triglycerides and serum
cholesterol (13-26%). Importantly, LDL (bad cholesterol) was
reduced by 10-24% in participants consuming cinnamon while HDL
(good cholesterol) was unaffected.
In order to determine the long term effects of cinnamon intake
on stabilizing blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels, final
measurements were taken 20 days after finishing the cinnamon
capsules. Interestingly, blood glucose levels remained lowered
20 days after the cinnamon treatment. Furthermore, lowered serum
triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL were observed in
participants that consumed the cinnamon 20 days later. Because
the beneficial effects of cinnamon were sustained long after its
consumption, it may not be necessary to consume cinnamon daily
to receive its benefits. Importantly, subjects that took the
wheat flour
capsules did not have any change in blood glucose or
lipid profiles, indicating that the beneficial effects obtained
from the cinnamon capsules is specific. The one drawback from
this study is that there were relatively few participants
involved (60 people) and the study time was relatively short.
A follow up study indicated that not all cinnamon extracts are
created equal in stabilizing blood glucose levels in Type II
diabetes. Specifically, Cinnamonum cassia was more effective
than Cinnamonum zeylanicum at increasing insulin levels in the
blood and thereby decreasing blood glucose levels (3).
Furthermore, Cinnamonum cassia was almost as effective at
decreasing blood glucose as glibenclamide, a commonly prescribed
sulfonylurea used in the treatment for Type II diabetes.
Along with improving blood glucose and lipid profiles,
cinnamon intake may also have additional benefits. Because
cinnamon is high in flavinoids, it may also function as an
antioxidant (5). Antioxidants possess anti-carcinogenic
characteristics as well as decrease a person's risk for
developing heart disease. Furthermore, there is some evidence
that cinnamon may have some antibacterial, antidermatophyte,
vasodilative, as well as anti-thrombotic activities, indicating
that cinnamon may also be useful in wound healing and
cardioprotective (6, 7).
Because cinnamon is a seasoning and does not contribute to
caloric intake, consumption of cinnamon is feasible within The
Plateau-Proof Diet. Relatively small amounts of cinnamon
(approximately ˝ tsp) were sufficient to reduce both blood
glucose as well as lipid levels. So, it is not necessary to
purchase and consume cinnamon pills which are commercially
available. Furthermore, because there is no regulation on
dietary supplements, purity is always questionable. Regular
seasoning of meals is sufficient to receive the hypoglycemic
effects of cinnamon.
1. Chitturi S, George J 2002 Hepatotoxicity of commonly
used drugs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
antihypertensives, antidiabetic agents, anticonvulsants,
lipid-lowering agents, psychotropic drugs. Semin Liver Dis
22:169-83
2. Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, Anderson RA 2000 Insulin-like
biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant aqueous
extracts in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 48:849-52
3. Verspohl EJ, Bauer K, Neddermann E 2005 Antidiabetic effect
of Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum in vivo and in
vitro. Phytother Res 19:203-6
4. Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, Khattak KN, Anderson RA 2003
Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2
diabetes. Diabetes Care 26:3215-8
5. Anderson RA, Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, et al. 2004
Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers
from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. J Agric
Food Chem 52:65-70
6. Kamath JV, Rana AC, Chowdhury AR 2003 Pro-healing effect of
Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark. Phytother Res 17:970-2
7. Qin B, Nagasaki M, Ren M, Bajotto G, Oshida Y, Sato Y 2003
Cinnamon extract (traditional herb) potentiates in vivo
insulin-regulated glucose utilization via enhancing insulin
signaling in rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 62:139-48
About the author:
Dr. Marjet Heitzer is a biomedical scientist specialized in
cancer and endocrine research. She is the founding editor of
'Trimming America', the free journal of 'The Plateau-proof Diet
Foundation'. She is a strong proponent of reversing obesity and
some of its comorbidities, including type II diabetes and
hypertension, with a lifestyle change that has healthy dieting
at its core.
Http://www.plateauproofdiet.com
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
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Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
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Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
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Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
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Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
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CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
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WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
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www.webmd.com |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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