FAMILY MEDICINE® COLUMN
By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
JURY STILL OUT ON BENEFIT OF CINNAMON AND FISH OIL FOR DIABETICS
Question: My mother has type II diabetes, so my doctor tells me I am at risk for getting it. I have heard that cinnamon can prevent type II diabetes. Is that so? Have you heard of other things that prevent diabetes?
Answer: The best way to prevent diabetes is to eat right, exercise and keep your weight down. However, there have been some interesting studies on the ability of certain natural substances -- including cinnamon and fish oils -- to affect the course of diabetes. I will comment on both of these.
In 2003 a study was done in Pakistan to see the effects of cinnamon on type II diabetes and, more specifically, blood glucose levels. Researchers divided 60 people into six groups. Each group was asked to take a daily capsule. Three of the groups got placebo capsules; that is, their capsules did not contain cinnamon but, rather, an inert ingredient. The other three groups were asked to take cinnamon capsules with one, three or six grams of cinnamon.
All three cinnamon groups -- and none of the placebo groups -- showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels after taking the capsules for 40 days. They also showed a decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which is sometimes referred to as the “bad cholesterol.” While these benefits lasted for 20 days after stopping the cinnamon, it’s not clear what the long-term effects might be.
You have to be a bit careful with cinnamon as you can overdose on it, so more is not better. You only need about one quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon a couple of times a day. This can be added to your coffee, your tea or your cereal. For once, something that is good for you tastes good as well.
Fish oil is another product that has been tested to see what impact it may have on type II diabetes. A small study in Norway was conducted to see its effect on blood cholesterol markers. After nine weeks, the cholesterol markers were lower, and the patients had improved insulin sensitivity -- which means their insulin was doing its job better.
Increasing the consumption of oily fish -- like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon -- has been recommended for a long time by the American Heart Association to lower triglycerides and improve cardiovascular health. The AHA suggests eating these fish at least two times a week, and in some cases, suggests the use of supplements. The National Institutes of Health, however, cautions that gastrointestinal upset is common with fish oil supplements. This may include burping, heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
In terms of diabetes, the full benefits of cinnamon and fish oil, if any, have not been strongly documented yet. In other words the jury is still out. On the other hand, neither of these substances -- in modest amounts -- is harmful. And, cinnamon really does smell good! If your concern is triglycerides, increasing consumption of fish oils is sound advice backed by a good deal of excellent research.
If you decide to try either of these, whether your concern is diabetes or cardiovascular health, you should consult your physician first. You should also always remember to list these supplements when a medical person asks what medications you are taking. Natural substances can and do have side effects and sometimes harmful interactions with other medicines.
Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.