Alam Khan, MS, PHD Mahpara Safdar, MS Mohammad Muzaffar Ali Khan, MS, PHD Khan Nawaz Khattak, MS Richard A. Anderson, PHD

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.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND 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. Group 1, 2 and 3 consumed 1, 3, or 6g 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 the intake of 1,3 or 6g 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.

Source: Diabetes Care 2003;26(12):3215-3218