by Joseph
(United States)
I have had type 2 diabetes since 2000. Since 2007 I have taken cinnamon capsules, about 1000 mg daily, together with 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid.
My HbA1c is now below 6%, and I take much less diabetes medicine. I believe cinnamon and alpha-lipoic acid have helped me significantly.
I have also researched medicines such as Januvia and Onglyza and wanted to share my experience.
Reply by Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc, Family Physician, IDF Fellow
Hello Joseph,
Thank you for sharing your experience. An HbA1c below 6% can represent excellent glucose control for some adults, depending on the treatment plan and whether it is being achieved safely without troublesome hypoglycemia.
I would be careful, however, about concluding that cinnamon or alpha-lipoic acid alone produced the improvement.
Some randomized trials and meta-analyses have found modest reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c with cinnamon supplementation.
But results have varied between studies, partly because researchers have used different cinnamon species, preparations, doses and study durations.
Because the evidence remains inconsistent, current diabetes guidelines do not recommend cinnamon supplements specifically for improving glycemic control.
No. A supplement does not cancel the glucose effect of food.
Long-term diabetes control still depends on your overall eating pattern, physical activity, body weight when relevant, medication and other health factors.
Our diabetes foods guide explains how to build a more balanced eating pattern without relying on supplements.
There is no standard diabetes-treatment dose of cinnamon that applies to everyone.
Cassia cinnamon, the most common type sold in many countries, contains coumarin. Large amounts or long-term use may be a concern for people with liver disease or those taking medicines that affect the liver.
Ceylon cinnamon generally contains much less coumarin, but that does not make it a proven diabetes treatment.
Alpha-lipoic acid has been studied mainly for symptoms of diabetic neuropathy rather than as a treatment for diabetes itself.
Some studies suggest it may help certain neuropathy symptoms, but it should not be described as preventing nerve damage or as a substitute for good glucose control.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of diabetes complications remains maintaining appropriate glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol control and attending recommended screening.
Januvia (sitagliptin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin) are DPP-4 inhibitors. They increase incretin activity, which can increase glucose-dependent insulin release and reduce glucagon secretion.
They are established diabetes medicines, but whether either is appropriate depends on the individual treatment plan, kidney function, cardiovascular history and other medications.
They are not automatically “better” simply because they are newer or more expensive.
Your HbA1c result is encouraging, but I would judge your diabetes control from the full picture: HbA1c, fasting and after-meal glucose, medication, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and complication screening.
If you continue taking cinnamon or alpha-lipoic acid, make sure your healthcare professional knows the exact products and doses you use.
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