People with type 2 diabetes may improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar by adding a little spice to their life.In preliminary findings, cinnamon helped fat cells recognize and respond to insulin, the hormone that removes excess glucose from the blood and deposits it into cells. In a test tube and in animal studies, the spice appeared to increase glucose metabolism by about 20 times.
While it is too soon to recommend the spice as a regular treatment for type 2 diabetes, patients can try adding 1/4-1 teaspoon of cinnamon to their food. The worst that will happen is it won't do any good and the best is that it will help dramatically. Clinical trials using a cinnamon extract on humans are due to begin in 6 months.
