Loading...Q. I am a nurse, and one of my patients has a success story that may interest you. His presurgical tests showed an HbA1c above 8, indicating that his blood sugar had been above normal for months. He decided to start taking a cinnamon supplement.
When I saw him two months later, his HbA1c was 6.0. Wow! He’s also been taking a teaspoon of yellow mustard, which contains vinegar and turmeric, after every meal. It muddies the research, but it has been good for him.
A. Thanks so much for sharing this story. HbA1c is a blood test that reveals long-term blood sugar control. Keeping the level below 7 is considered desirable.
Not everyone benefits from cinnamon, but we have heard from readers that a supplement can be helpful. There is even some research to support this approach (Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, May, 2010). Both vinegar and turmeric can help reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating, so we’re not surprised that mustard might be beneficial too.
Beauty
How much balsamic should be taken for lowering sugar levels? My sugar is always up.
Hettan
Usa
I take metformin 500 mg in the morning and afternoon and in between I take Gymnema Syvestre tablet once a day. My readings are between 6 & 7
Thomas
Marrero Louisiana
I have slightly elevated sugar. Is there any advice one what foods to avoid? I don’t want to takeep medicine to control.
Natalie
California
Remember that cinnamon raises blood pressure, even though it helps with blood sugar. You really have to know how to take spices.
Thomas
Sorry don’t want to take medicine to control.
Jane
Umuahia
How do I get bitter melon in Umuahia Abia State Nigeria?
Theresa
I just heard this about mustard today. I use to use lite mayo, but after hearing this I am going to start using mustard.
JB
Even tho taking yellow mustard to help bring down HBAic may work, anyone with high blood pressure needs to check with the Dr. before using it. Even plain mustard has 55mg of sodium in a teaspoon.
E. E.
At night I add a stick of cinnamon to water for brewing morning coffee, and leave it in the pot. Some ground coffee in Mexico contains cinnamon. E.E.
M. Ramirez
I just learned about the benefits of consuming cinnamon. I love a cup of hot cinnamon tea on cold day to warm the body.
The comments posted were helpful but I still do not know how much cinnamon is too much. I hope to get a reply to this so I can answer the question to another person.
Thank you, and I look forward to your reply.
M. Ramirez
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IF YOU ARE GETTING YOUR CINNAMON IN TEA, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY. IF YOU ARE TAKING IT AS POWDERED SPICE, 1/2 TEASPOON PER MEAL IS SOMEWHERE IN THE APPROPRIATE BALLPARK, WITH MONITORING OF LIVER ENZYMES.
M. Ramirez
I just learned about the benefits of consuming cinnamon. I love a cup of hot cinnamon tea on cold day to warm the body.
The comments posted were helpful but i still do not know how much cinnamon is too much. I hope to get a reply to this so i can answer the question to another person.
Thank you, and I look forward to your reply.
M. Ramirez
Brent B.
My oldest brother takes cinnamon for diabetes prevention and it seems to work well for him — just don’t overdo it with too big of a dosage. Tony Pantalleresco (‘The Remedy’ program on The Micro Effect) recommends and uses bitter melon. And prickly pear (a cactus also known as Opuntia) is another good option. Any kind of squash (like zucchini) is also supposed to be good for diabetes. And Julian Whitaker has a book called ‘Reversing Diabetes’ with more nutritional solutions.
SB
An easy way to take cinnamon is on your oatmeal. It tastes delicious and oatmeal provides you good fibre too.
How about fenugreek seeds for blood sugar control? I’ve heard taking fenugreek seeds- one teaspoon every morning with water helps in reducing the blood sugar level.
Apple cider vinegar is better than balsamic vinegar (which could contain lead). Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar has other beneficial properties too.
JB
For several years, I have been a diabetic, controlled on diet & exercise. I also drink 2 tablespoons of vinegar in an 8 oz glass of water at lunch and at dinner. I put 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon in my dry coffee grounds before perking the coffee and take a cinnamon capsule twice a day. My AIC has never been up to 7 and in fact was 6.4 in May. I got use to drinking the vinegar by putting it in low sodium V-8 juice. Now it does not bother me to drink it in water.
Balsamic vinegar taste the best, but since cider vinegar is cheaper, I usually use that. I think it has the added benefit of preventing urinary tract infections due to the acidic action.
cpmt
Some people can’t take cinnamon -powder- if is not dissolved (as in tea) because it can cause liver damage or increase readings. I had a problem taking it by itself in capsules.
RES
I am a type II diabetic for over 15 years now and have done well with the meds and diet and exercise.
I am interested, though, in the talk about cinnamon. I like it on some foods, but need to know exactly what amounts and in what form the cinnamon should be taken to really cause a good lowering of blood sugars.
Dorothy Z.
1. Are all brands of cinnamon capsules OK or is there a certain kind to look for?
2. Do you have any guidelines on how much to take for someone with pre-diabetes?