How high is Blood Sugar Raised after a Hershey Kiss?

Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc

Hi Jim,

Yes, some people use bitter melon and cinnamon together, and you may even find supplements that contain both. But with diabetes, I would look beyond whether two supplements can simply be swallowed together. The more important question is whether they are safe with your medicines and your usual blood sugar levels.

Could They Lower Blood Sugar Too Much?

Possibly. Bitter melon may have a glucose-lowering effect, while cinnamon may have a modest effect on blood sugar in some people. Neither should be relied on as a replacement for proven diabetes treatment, but their effects may still add to those of diabetes medicines.

I would be particularly careful if you use insulin or medicines such as glipizide, glyburide, or gliclazide, because these can already cause hypoglycemia. If you are unsure what your readings mean, see our guide on when blood sugar may be too high or too low.

How Much Should You Take?

There is no single dose I can recommend safely for everyone. Supplement products vary greatly in strength and concentration, and your own health matters too. Kidney function, liver health, age, other medicines, and your risk of low blood sugar can all change what is safe.

If your doctor or pharmacist agrees that you can try them, follow the dose on the specific product label rather than taking extra in the hope of lowering glucose faster. I would also avoid starting several blood-sugar supplements at the same time. Our page on diabetes and supplements explains why this matters.

Food Is Different From Concentrated Capsules

Using a little cinnamon on food is not the same as taking concentrated cinnamon capsules every day. In the same way, eating bitter melon as part of a meal is different from taking a strong extract.

The concentrated forms deserve more caution because the dose can be much higher. You can read more about bitter melon and diabetes and cinnamon and diabetes.

Who Should Be Especially Careful?

• People using insulin or diabetes tablets that can cause low blood sugar


• Anyone who already has frequent hypoglycemia


• Pregnant or breastfeeding women


• People with liver or kidney problems


• People taking several prescription medicines or blood thinners


• Anyone preparing for surgery or a medical procedure

If any of these apply to you, I would speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using either supplement.

What Should You Watch For?

If you do start a supplement, pay attention to your fasting and after-meal glucose and watch for symptoms such as shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, weakness, or confusion.

It is also useful to record when you take the supplement, what dose you use, and what your glucose readings are. A blood sugar log can make it much easier to see whether anything is actually changing.

Also stop and seek advice if you develop significant stomach upset, diarrhea, rash, or another unexpected reaction.

One Important Point About Diabetes Medicine

If your blood sugar improves while taking bitter melon or cinnamon, do not reduce your insulin or diabetes tablets on your own. A better glucose reading is useful information, but medication changes should be made with your healthcare professional.

Most Asked Questions

Can bitter melon and cinnamon replace diabetes medicine?

No. They should not replace prescribed diabetes medicine or insulin.

Can taking both cause low blood sugar?

It may increase the risk, especially when combined with insulin or medicines that can already cause hypoglycemia.

Is cinnamon in food safer than capsules?

Using normal culinary amounts is different from taking concentrated extracts or capsules, which deserve more caution.

Related Questions

• How does green tea affect blood glucose?


• What can Gymnema Sylvestre do in prediabetes?


• Which plants may help reduce glucose?

Related Resources

• Bitter melon and diabetes


• Cinnamon and diabetes


• Diabetes and supplements


• Herbs for diabetes

Last reviewed: July 2026.