How to Eat Cinnamon to Lower Blood Sugar While on Diabetic Medicine

Although a sprinkle of cinnamon on your breakfast cereal may not be an effective tool for lowering glucose levels, cinnamon extract, taken in capsule form, might improve blood glucose levels. Taking at least 1g, but no more than 6g of cinnamon daily might reduce fasting glucose levels by almost 30 percent and reduce triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels as well. Because cinnamon may have a drastic effect on your diabetes, always consult your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet as part of your diabetes treatment plan. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely, as you may have to decrease your diabetes medication.

Use cassia cinnamon, the most common variety sold in the U.S. -- although it's grown in Central America, Indonesia and China -- rather than Ceylon cinnamon.

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Add cinnamon to your diet gradually. Start with 1g daily and take it gradually throughout the day, rather than taking it all at once. Record your glucose levels and note any changes to discuss with your doctor. Do not stop or alter your current diabetes medications without consulting your physician.

Gradually increase the amount of cinnamon in your diet, constantly monitoring your glucose levels. Researchers are not sure why cinnamon affects glucose levels, and several studies have shown mixed results. Diabetes Health reports that "data regarding cinnamon’s efficacy in reducing glucose levels in patients with diabetes is inconsistent at best."

Tips

Diabetes treatment is a life-long commitment to healthy eating, exercising and careful blood sugar monitoring. Cinnamon might be part of a treatment plan, but should not replace any of your other treatments.

Warnings

Cinnamon contains coumarin, a substance that hinders the body's ability to form blood clots. If you're at risk of hemorrhaging or are taking related medication, consult your doctor before taking cinnamon.