cinnamon
respond posted:
is cinnamon a good remedy for type 2 diabetes
27 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:cinnamonis cinnamon a good remedy for type 2 diabetes
MrsCora01 responded:
It is not a remedy. Some people have success when including it with a diet and exercise program in addition to meds (if prescribed by the doc). But in and of itself many folks don't use it as a sole "remedy".
Cora
Cora
T1 1966, Dialysis 2001, kidney transplant and pump 2002, pancreas transplant 2008
Report This| Share this:cinnamonIt is not a remedy. Some people have success when including it with a diet and exercise program in addition to meds (if prescribed by the doc). But in and of itself many folks don't use it as a sole "remedy".<br /><br />Cora
krhudson responded:
Wish it were that easy. The best remedy for any Diabetes 1 or 2 is to get rid of extra pounds by rather vigorous exercise everyday for an hour if possible and get on lean proteins, salad, veggies and fruit in moderation. Off the white fluffy carbs such as white rice, potatoes (unless baby reds), pizza and bread.
Snacks would be low fat cheese and nuts when hunger strikes and eat small portions more often rather than 3 big portions.
Some say that cinnamon will not hurt a Diabetic diet and some say that when they use it to a certain extent, it helps but it is not the cure all end all by any stretch!
krhudson
Snacks would be low fat cheese and nuts when hunger strikes and eat small portions more often rather than 3 big portions.
Some say that cinnamon will not hurt a Diabetic diet and some say that when they use it to a certain extent, it helps but it is not the cure all end all by any stretch!
krhudson
Report This| Share this:cinnamonWish it were that easy. The best remedy for any Diabetes 1 or 2 is to get rid of extra pounds by rather vigorous exercise everyday for an hour if possible and get on lean proteins, salad, veggies and fruit in moderation. Off the white fluffy carbs such as white rice, potatoes (unless baby reds), pizza and bread.<br /> <br />Snacks would be low fat cheese and nuts when hunger strikes and eat small portions more often rather than 3 big portions.<br /> <br />Some say that cinnamon will not hurt a Diabetic diet and some say that when they use it to a certain extent, it helps but it is not the cure all end all by any stretch!<br /> <br />krhudson
betaquartz responded:
Cinnamon falls in the category as bitter melon, and some of the other more exotic herbs. They may lower the bg a percentage of points, but they are not a replacement for healthy diet and exercise. That hour a day can do a lot, but for some people even thirty minutes can move you in the right direction dramatically. Tie that with a pretty strict diet that mean no white flour, or other white starches such as potato and white rice and you have it. Triple your veggie intake, and cut your red meats.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonCinnamon falls in the category as bitter melon, and some of the other more exotic herbs. They may lower the bg a percentage of points, but they are not a replacement for healthy diet and exercise. That hour a day can do a lot, but for some people even thirty minutes can move you in the right direction dramatically. Tie that with a pretty strict diet that mean no white flour, or other white starches such as potato and white rice and you have it. Triple your veggie intake, and cut your red meats.
evilnala responded:
There was some preliminary research back in, I think, 2005, but follow up studies have not shown significant benefits from using it as a supplement. There are a number of diabetic around who have tried it and say that it helps if used in combination with a doctor's prescribed treatment plan. (Diet, exercise, and maybe meds)
On the other hand, cinnamon is a delicious spice which goes well with a lot of different foods. It is also a "sweet spice" which means that, although it is not a sweetener, it can satisfy cravings for sweet foods. I use it a lot to add interest and extra flavor to my foods. You can try it on most meats, stir fried veggies, even peanut butter sandwiches.
On the other hand, cinnamon is a delicious spice which goes well with a lot of different foods. It is also a "sweet spice" which means that, although it is not a sweetener, it can satisfy cravings for sweet foods. I use it a lot to add interest and extra flavor to my foods. You can try it on most meats, stir fried veggies, even peanut butter sandwiches.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonThere was some preliminary research back in, I think, 2005, but follow up studies have not shown significant benefits from using it as a supplement. There are a number of diabetic around who have tried it and say that it helps if used in combination with a doctor's prescribed treatment plan. (Diet, exercise, and maybe meds)<br /><br />On the other hand, cinnamon is a delicious spice which goes well with a lot of different foods. It is also a "sweet spice" which means that, although it is not a sweetener, it can satisfy cravings for sweet foods. I use it a lot to add interest and extra flavor to my foods. You can try it on most meats, stir fried veggies, even peanut butter sandwiches.
RealityBytes replied to evilnala's response:
It's pretty much impossible to test on yourself whether cinammon has an effect or not. That said, I add a 1/2 teaspoon to my oatmeal every day and it certainly isn't hurting!
Report This| Share this:cinnamonIt's pretty much impossible to test on yourself whether cinammon has an effect or not. That said, I add a 1/2 teaspoon to my oatmeal every day and it certainly isn't hurting!
betaquartz replied to RealityBytes's response:
I add cinnamon to my mixed nut jar. I just sprinkle in a bunch on top and then shake it well. It adds an interesting flavor to the nuts, each of the different types tasting differently with the spice. I especially like it on Pecans.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonI add cinnamon to my mixed nut jar. I just sprinkle in a bunch on top and then shake it well. It adds an interesting flavor to the nuts, each of the different types tasting differently with the spice. I especially like it on Pecans.
evilnala replied to RealityBytes's response:
I would say that if someone really wanted to, they could test for a few weeks, then add the supplement for a few weeks and see if there's a difference. Personally, I don't know why one would eat cinnamon as a supplement when it is so very tasty.
I don't wish to discount those who have success with it, but I suspect that the benefit has more to do with the value of it as flavor than anything else. Also, as I said, I use a fair amount myself in my food.
I don't wish to discount those who have success with it, but I suspect that the benefit has more to do with the value of it as flavor than anything else. Also, as I said, I use a fair amount myself in my food.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonI would say that if someone really wanted to, they could test for a few weeks, then add the supplement for a few weeks and see if there's a difference. Personally, I don't know why one would eat cinnamon as a supplement when it is so very tasty.<br /><br />I don't wish to discount those who have success with it, but I suspect that the benefit has more to do with the value of it as flavor than anything else. Also, as I said, I use a fair amount myself in my food.
RealityBytes replied to evilnala's response:
The problem with that sort of testing is that we don't generally eat and maintain the same activity day to day. The type of improvement it might make could just as easily be the result of variations in other areas.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonThe problem with that sort of testing is that we don't generally eat and maintain the same activity day to day. The type of improvement it might make could just as easily be the result of variations in other areas.
evilnala replied to RealityBytes's response:
True enough. I suggested comparing trends over a few weeks to help correct the problems to some degree, but it's still an imperfect method. I don't really know of any better way for the average individual to try to check and see if a supplement is benefiting them personally. If you have a better suggestion, I'd love to hear it.
I still tend to think that any benefits from cinnamon are in using it as a spice, not in any supplement form.
I still tend to think that any benefits from cinnamon are in using it as a spice, not in any supplement form.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonTrue enough. I suggested comparing trends over a few weeks to help correct the problems to some degree, but it's still an imperfect method. I don't really know of any better way for the average individual to try to check and see if a supplement is benefiting them personally. If you have a better suggestion, I'd love to hear it.<br /><br />I still tend to think that any benefits from cinnamon are in using it as a spice, not in any supplement form.
RealityBytes replied to evilnala's response:
No, I don't have a better idea. The other thing is, someone wanting to experiment with cinnamon (or something else) is probably also watching their diet, exercising, etc. - the sort of things that will quite likely lead to improvements over a few weeks anyway.
For example, a few weeks ago my doctor cut my dose of Metformin in half and my numbers have continued to drop. I've now dropped it entirely and they're still improving. It would be wrong to conclude that the way to improve numbers is to stop taking meds.
For example, a few weeks ago my doctor cut my dose of Metformin in half and my numbers have continued to drop. I've now dropped it entirely and they're still improving. It would be wrong to conclude that the way to improve numbers is to stop taking meds.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonNo, I don't have a better idea. The other thing is, someone wanting to experiment with cinnamon (or something else) is probably also watching their diet, exercising, etc. - the sort of things that will quite likely lead to improvements over a few weeks anyway.<br /><br />For example, a few weeks ago my doctor cut my dose of Metformin in half and my numbers have continued to drop. I've now dropped it entirely and they're still improving. It would be wrong to conclude that the way to improve numbers is to stop taking meds. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0">
evilnala replied to RealityBytes's response:
True. That's the idea behind testing for a few weeks first, to pick up general trends, then introducing the cinnamon. If your numbers are already trending downward, and continue to trend downward at about the same rate, it's not reasonable to say the cinnamon did anything. If the numbers change, but only by a few points, it's not reasonable to conclude the cinnamon did anything. If the numbers were trending down, then go up with the supplement, well, you get the idea.
I've never heard of anyone who did this getting really dramatic results. Some people claim it makes a difference of a few points, but that doesn't really seem to mean much in real terms. Mostly, the people who swear by the powers of cinnamon supplements, as you say, are doing other things which are more likely the cause of the improvement.
Still, it's super tasty. And tasty is good.
Oh, OT note: Might I mention how nice it is to find adults who can discuss science? Always a treat.
I've never heard of anyone who did this getting really dramatic results. Some people claim it makes a difference of a few points, but that doesn't really seem to mean much in real terms. Mostly, the people who swear by the powers of cinnamon supplements, as you say, are doing other things which are more likely the cause of the improvement.
Still, it's super tasty. And tasty is good.
Oh, OT note: Might I mention how nice it is to find adults who can discuss science? Always a treat.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonTrue. That's the idea behind testing for a few weeks first, to pick up general trends, then introducing the cinnamon. If your numbers are already trending downward, and continue to trend downward at about the same rate, it's not reasonable to say the cinnamon did anything. If the numbers change, but only by a few points, it's not reasonable to conclude the cinnamon did anything. If the numbers were trending down, then go up with the supplement, well, you get the idea.<br /><br />I've never heard of anyone who did this getting really dramatic results. Some people claim it makes a difference of a few points, but that doesn't really seem to mean much in real terms. Mostly, the people who swear by the powers of cinnamon supplements, as you say, are doing other things which are more likely the cause of the improvement.<br /><br />Still, it's super tasty. And tasty is good. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />Oh, OT note: Might I mention how nice it is to find adults who can discuss science? Always a treat. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/grin.gif" align="top" border="0">
RealityBytes replied to evilnala's response:
We're not discussing science, we're discussing cooking.
To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon, except for in totally off-limits baked goods.
I used it briefly at the start, and recently started up again. I prefer my oatmeal without any sweeteners or milk - just salt and butter (non-hydrogenated margarine)
To make it palatable with cinnamon I've added a packet of splenda, 1/4 cup of berries a tablespoon of ground flax and one of psyllium husk.
I had a bit of a scare tonight. I went to the gym, and as usual it raised me a bit, so I was 112 before dinner. After dinner I was 70, and got a "low" warning. I remeasured and it was 106, so I didn't panic.
To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon, except for in totally off-limits baked goods.
I used it briefly at the start, and recently started up again. I prefer my oatmeal without any sweeteners or milk - just salt and butter (non-hydrogenated margarine)
To make it palatable with cinnamon I've added a packet of splenda, 1/4 cup of berries a tablespoon of ground flax and one of psyllium husk.
I had a bit of a scare tonight. I went to the gym, and as usual it raised me a bit, so I was 112 before dinner. After dinner I was 70, and got a "low" warning. I remeasured and it was 106, so I didn't panic.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonWe're not discussing science, we're discussing cooking. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon, except for in totally off-limits baked goods.<br /><br />I used it briefly at the start, and recently started up again. I prefer my oatmeal without any sweeteners or milk - just salt and butter (non-hydrogenated margarine)<br /><br />To make it palatable with cinnamon I've added a packet of splenda, 1/4 cup of berries a tablespoon of ground flax and one of psyllium husk.<br /><br />I had a bit of a scare tonight. I went to the gym, and as usual it raised me a bit, so I was 112 before dinner. After dinner I was 70, and got a "low" warning. I remeasured and it was 106, so I didn't panic.
evilnala replied to RealityBytes's response:
But cooking IS science. Cool science, with furnaces and open flames, and whirling blades and such. Physics, chemistry, even some basic maths factor in to a good cook. 
I always liked cinnamon in a lot of different things. I ate oatmeal with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk quite often. (Alas, no longer....) I can't do the oatmeal anymore, though, even with just almond milk and cinnamon, it still causes more of a spike than I like.
I particularly like cinnamon on meats and nuts. I add it to peanut butter sandwiches. I will season steaks or other meats with cinnamon, vanilla, salt, pepper, maybe some lime and ancho pepper. I use garham masala. Cinnamon takes on a whole different aspect when used with savory flavors. As I said, though, I'm not convinced it's anything other than tasty.
Sorry to hear about your scare at the gym, but glad you caught it in time. I've been struggling to keep my own numbers right with my exercise recently. I'm only taking Met, so it's not so much dangerous as if my numbers get out of range it makes me quite sick and takes a long time to get them in line again.
I always liked cinnamon in a lot of different things. I ate oatmeal with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk quite often. (Alas, no longer....) I can't do the oatmeal anymore, though, even with just almond milk and cinnamon, it still causes more of a spike than I like.
I particularly like cinnamon on meats and nuts. I add it to peanut butter sandwiches. I will season steaks or other meats with cinnamon, vanilla, salt, pepper, maybe some lime and ancho pepper. I use garham masala. Cinnamon takes on a whole different aspect when used with savory flavors. As I said, though, I'm not convinced it's anything other than tasty.
Sorry to hear about your scare at the gym, but glad you caught it in time. I've been struggling to keep my own numbers right with my exercise recently. I'm only taking Met, so it's not so much dangerous as if my numbers get out of range it makes me quite sick and takes a long time to get them in line again.
Report This| Share this:cinnamonBut cooking IS science. Cool science, with furnaces and open flames, and whirling blades and such. Physics, chemistry, even some basic maths factor in to a good cook. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/pbpt.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />I always liked cinnamon in a lot of different things. I ate oatmeal with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk quite often. (Alas, no longer....) I can't do the oatmeal anymore, though, even with just almond milk and cinnamon, it still causes more of a spike than I like.<br /><br />I particularly like cinnamon on meats and nuts. I add it to peanut butter sandwiches. I will season steaks or other meats with cinnamon, vanilla, salt, pepper, maybe some lime and ancho pepper. I use garham masala. Cinnamon takes on a whole different aspect when used with savory flavors. As I said, though, I'm not convinced it's anything other than tasty.<br /><br />Sorry to hear about your scare at the gym, but glad you caught it in time. I've been struggling to keep my own numbers right with my exercise recently. I'm only taking Met, so it's not so much dangerous as if my numbers get out of range it makes me quite sick and takes a long time to get them in line again.
RealityBytes replied to evilnala's response:
The scare was 3 or 4 hours after the gym, but I'm convinced the meter was at fault. I certainly didn't have any symptoms, and a reading taken right after was in the normal range. Since I'm not on any diabetes meds there's no reason I should go low.
This morning I was 86 (which could be as low as 73)
This morning I was 86 (which could be as low as 73)
Report This| Share this:cinnamonThe scare was 3 or 4 hours after the gym, but I'm convinced the meter was at fault. I certainly didn't have any symptoms, and a reading taken right after was in the normal range. Since I'm not on any diabetes meds there's no reason I should go low.<br /><br />This morning I was 86 (which could be as low as 73)
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