Type 2 Diabetes - Cinnamon and Blood Sugar Levels
Type 2 Diabetes - Cinnamon and Blood Sugar Levels - Several compounds isolated from cinnamon may one day become the key natural ingredients in a new generation of products aimed at lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The polyphenolic polymers in cinnamon bark have antioxidant effects, which may provide synergistic benefits to persons with various forms of diabetes.
In 2004 ARS scientists and colleagues isolated and characterized several polyphenolic polymer compounds from cinnamon bark that could one day become natural ingredients in products aimed at lowering blood sugar levels.
Impaired sugar and fat metabolism is present in millions of people and may lead to type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In test tube assays using fat cells, the polyphenolic polymers were found to increase sugar metabolism a whopping 20-fold.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas to regulate sugar metabolism. In people with type-2 diabetes, either the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the body is unable to use it correctly. Both conditions lead to unhealthy blood levels of sugar that would otherwise provide energy to muscles.
During a decade of efforts to find natural compounds that could help maintain normal blood sugar levels, the scientists tested several components of cinnamon. The newly characterized chemical structures are closely related to a previously reported chemical derivative of cinnamon, MHCP—methylhydroxychalcone polymer. The researchers also tested scores of other plant extracts, but none displayed insulin-enhancing activity near that of cinnamon.
"These new compounds increase insulin sensitivity by activating key enzymes that stimulate insulin receptors, while inhibiting the enzymes that deactivate them," says Anderson, who is with the Nutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory.
"Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory functions, but they have not been commonly known to improve insulin function," he says. "The polyphenolic polymers in cinnamon bark have antioxidant effects, which may provide synergistic benefits to persons with various forms of diabetes."
Last year, the researchers reported that less than a half-teaspoon of cinnamon daily for 40 days reduced by about 20 percent the blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels of 60 volunteers in Pakistan with Type 2 diabetes. But table cinnamon made from cinnamon bark contains fat-soluble compounds. Those compounds may accumulate in the body if ingested consistently as more than a spice over long periods of time.
Table cinnamon is made from cinnamon bark and contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds. Fat-soluble compounds may accumulate in the body if ingested over a long period. At this time, there is no data on potential effects of long-term ingestion of table cinnamon. But the newly defined chemical structures noted above are isolated from water extracts of cinnamon and appear to be nontoxic in any quantity, according to Anderson.
He is with the BHNRC's Nutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory in Beltsville.
"Insulin Imitators: Polyphenols Found in Cinnamon Mimic Job of Hormone" was published in the April 2004 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Source: Rosalie Marion Bliss, United States Department Of Agriculture, USDA, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff. Used with permission.
Related articles:
Type 2 Diabetes: Cinnamon Improves Blood Sugar Levels and Insulin Function
Diabetes: Cloves improve insulin function, lowers glucose
Gymnema sylvestre: A well-proven treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes: Chromium supplements drop blood sugar in 80 to 90 percent of patients
The Dangers of Diabetes Patients Not Understanding Disease Risks
Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Feet Healthy.
Diabetes Management: Saturated Fat Should Not Be Restricted.
Low Carbohydrate Diets Best For Diabetes
Diabetes Increases Heart Disease Rate
The Glycemic Index: Good Carb, Bad Carb
Type 1 Diabetes - Gymnema significantly lowers insulin usage
The Atkins Diet - Diabetes and Experts Viewpoints
