I am very thabkful for this information. I shall start taking little of Chinnamon barks evry day . I shall also test my fasting blood glucose level after start taking the chinnamon bark. If it really reduces the fasting blood glucose level I shall continue.

Posted by: gvrao28 | Oct 11, 2006 07:27 PM

Hi Granny and gvra28

Granny, I'm glad to hear that cinnamon is working for you! And gvra28, I hope it works as well for you as it has for Granny. Don't forget to let your doctor know that you're taking it.

Amy Campbell

Posted by: acampbell | Oct 15, 2006 02:15 PM

Hi Pootsie,

You raise a good question, and it's understandable why you're confused. The information you're referencing is partly related to one study in particular that used various levels of cinnamon. The researchers found that the 6-gram dose of cinnamon lowered glucose levels more than the other doses did, and in a shorter amount of time. The issue, though, is that no one is really sure what the lowest, most effective dose of cinnamon is. And when it comes to medications and supplements, you always want to take the lowest dose possible that will still yield beneficial results. While cinnamon is relatively safe, some people may be allergic. If you're planning on trying cinnamon, first let your physician know. The key is to start with a low dose, and increase gradually, if you need to. As the saying goes, "Start low, go slow".

Posted by: acampbell | Jan 12, 2007 01:02 PM

I started taking Cinnamon capsules about 4 months ago because of my high cholesterol. The doctor wanted to put me on some type of medecine and im the type of person that would rather treat something with a natural remedy rather than take a perscreption drug. Before I started taking Cinnamon my Cholesterol level was 245 and now it is at a borderline level of 230. The longer I take the cinnamon the better my cholesterol gets. You can find cinnamon almost everywhere but I order mine through a company called Health Quest Technologies. They put me on a program where I get my cinnamon automatically charged to my credit card every two months and they send me out one bottle which last me two months!

Posted by: ashleyjones | Jul 09, 2007 11:04 AM

Hi Sandy,

While cinnamon is a relatively safe herb, there are some reported side effects, including contact dermatitis, mouth lesions, skin rash, and facial flushing. It's therefore quite possible that you're experiencing a reaction to the cinnamon. I'd suggest you stop taking them for a few days and see if your hot flashes disappear. If it looks like they're linked, you might either need to stop the cinnamon altogether or decrease your dose. You can also put up with the hot flashes unless they're particularly bothersome. Also, if the cinnamon doesn't appear to be helping your blood glucose control, there may be no benefit in continuing to take it.

Posted by: acampbell | Nov 29, 2007 09:19 AM

Hi Gladys,

Your situation illustrates a very important point about supplements - they may work for some and not for others. There are probably several reasons why cinnamon may not be working as well for you as it does for your husband, including your average blood glucose levels, how long you've been taking cinnamon and how much you've been taking, and the fact that he takes medicine for his diabetes, while you don't. How have your blood glucose levels been running? If they're running too high, cinnamon may not do much to lower them. Also, one study has concluded that cinnamon isn't effective for reducing insulin resistance and blood glucose levels in postmenopausal women. So, as the saying goes, "more research is needed". Talk with your doctor about whether you should continue taking cinnamon or not.

Posted by: acampbell | Dec 10, 2007 02:51 PM

Is it safe to take cinnamon capsules when pregnant?

Posted by: Diane | Feb 05, 2008 06:46 AM

I have used this supplement and my glucose level drop over 20 points. So, it you are concerned about your sugar levels then please go for the cinnamon pills! They are fantastic!

Posted by: Phyllis | Mar 09, 2008 01:45 AM

Hi linda,
A type of cinnamon, called cassia cinnamon, may contain varying amounts of coumarin, a compound that may cause liver damage in high doses, at least according to animal studies. If you take a supplement, try to find one that lists "water soluble" cinnamon on the label. And don't take very large doses for an extended period of time. Also, this is a good example of why you should always discuss the use of any supplement with your provider.

Posted by: acampbell | Mar 24, 2008 11:22 AM

Hi abi,
What are the ingredients in your tea besides cinnamon and honey? Is this sold as a "weight loss" tea? Some weight loss teas have herbs or other ingredients that can cause side effects. I'd suggest stopping the tea for a while and see if you feel better. Also, you might start checking your blood glucose levels again. And if you continue to have symptoms, it's a good idea to speak to your provider.

Posted by: acampbell | May 01, 2008 02:40 PM

Hi abi,
It's hard to say without knowing what type and what amount of cinnamon you're taking. Make sure you've purchased your supplement from a reputable source. And be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the bottle. If you're still unsure, ask your physician, pharmacist or dietitian.

Posted by: acampbell | May 13, 2008 03:13 PM

Hi abi,
I suggest you contact the company that manufactures the supplement, Spring Hill. You can ask them if the cinnamon they use is water soluble. Chances are that the dose you're taking is pretty safe; just don't take more than what is recommended.

Posted by: acampbell | May 18, 2008 04:44 PM

Really cinnamon is very useful herb. Everybody should involve in his/her diet and can be used in various disease Rekha

Posted by: Rekha | Jun 26, 2008 04:12 PM

Hi pcammar50,
I can't really give you advice on which supplements to take or not to take. However, as far as garlic goes, this supplement is relatively safe, although it shouldn't be taken if you take any blood thinning medicines. Garlic may not lower your LDL cholesterol all that much, according to recent research. Cinnamon is also fairly safe to take, but there's no conclusive evidence that it helps to lower cholesterol. I'd suggest you meet with a dietitian to discuss lifestyle changes that you can make. Ask a dietitian and your doctor about possibly using a plant stanol supplement. If your LDL is as high as you indicate, though, you may need to take medicine. And always remember to tell your doctor about any supplements that you take.

Posted by: acampbell | Jul 07, 2008 01:05 PM

Hi KJ,

See my comment from Feb. 5, above. Cinnamon isn't recommended for use during pregnancy.

Posted by: acampbell | Jul 11, 2008 05:32 PM

Hi Linda,
Are you following a meal plan and getting physical activity? I wouldn't recommend increasing your metformin dose without talking with your doctor. My advice is to start checking your blood glucose levels several times a day and recording your results in a log book. At your next appointment with your doctor, show him the results. Ask him what your A1C is (goal is less than 7), too. Be firm and let him know that you're not happy with your numbers, as they are out of target range. Ask him what your options are, in terms of medication, whether it's increasing your metformin or adding another medication. If he won't help you, consider switching providers, if you need to. This is your diabetes and your health, so you need to be your own advocate. Good luck!

Posted by: acampbell | Jul 21, 2008 01:05 PM

In reading the above, I see that in some cases cinnamon helps type 2 and pre-diabetics with their blood glucose. I am working on not becoming pre-diabetic.

Question 1: I take 1000 mg (2 capsules total) each morning. Is it better to take one in the AM and the second one in the PM?

Question 2: I also read that people experience "hot flashes". I've been taking the cinnamon pills for about 3 months, and just recently noticed feeling extra warm and sweaty during the day, and wonder if splitting the two pills into AM and PM doses would help offset this hot feeling but keep with helping the blood glucose?

Question 3: Is there anything connecting cinnamon with the increasing or decreasing high blood pressure.

Question 4: Is there anything connecting cinnamon with the increasing or decreasing heart rate or heart beats?

Thank you!

Posted by: fredsmom | Aug 21, 2008 10:42 PM

Why isn't Cinnamon good for Pregnancy. Untold by doctors I was borderline diabetic - insulin resistant in Nov 07. I am now 3mo pregnant and of course have gestational diabetes. In addition my blood pressure has been running 140/100.

I would like to take some type of supplement and cinnamon was recommended by a friend.

If the only reason not to take it is that it might decrease my sugars too much, then wouldn't I be able to monitor that with my meter - which I have to use at least 7x/day anyway.

As for it possibly increasing the heart rate - is that in any way related to my blood pressure being so high?

Cinnamon itself wouldn't cause any harm to the fetus would it?

Yes, I know not much info is know, but I can tell you the docs in MO are not into herbal remedies, they are all AMA well trained :-)
Thanks

Posted by: aziemer | Aug 25, 2008 09:03 PM

I used cinnamon sticks when I was quitting smoking. I used them to replace thehabit of holding something. In time I notice I was having low blood sugar attacks. I didn't even know that cinnamon could lower your blood sugar until I googled it. So there is something to it. Karen

Posted by: karen | Sep 16, 2008 08:56 AM

Actually, the key studies involving the use of cinnamon on blood glucose and blood lipid levels have used cassia cinnamon, and not Ceylon cinnamon (although Ceylon cinnamon is more commonly used in the U.S.). However, Ceylon cinnamon does contain an ingredient also thought to lower glucose levels; it just hasn't been as widely studied. I agree that it's best to purchase water soluble or water extracted forms of cinnamon to limit exposure to any toxins.

Posted by: acampbell | Oct 06, 2008 04:31 PM