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MEDTECH A recent meta-analysis published in Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome suggests that cinnamon could serve as an additional treatment option for managing glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study highlights the potential of cinnamon in lowering fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels, among other metrics.
HCN Medical Memo
For physicians treating patients with T2D or PCOS, this meta-analysis suggests that cinnamon supplementation could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for improving glycemic control. Although more research is needed to standardize dosing and identify the most effective type of cinnamon, the study offers a promising alternative or addition to current treatment regimens.
Key Points:
- The meta-analysis included 11 randomized clinical trials conducted between 2008 and 2021.
- Cinnamon supplementation was found to lower serum FPG levels by 10.93 mg/dL and HbA1c levels by 0.10%.
- Insulin levels were reduced by 2.01 IU/mL, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels also showed a significant decrease.
- The most significant effects were observed in patients with T2D.
“Cinnamon can be used as an anti-diabetic agent and an add-on treatment to control some glycemic indices among T2D patients and women with PCOS.”
– Zarezadeh M, Musazadeh V, Foroumandi E, et al (Researchers)
Additional Points:
- The median dose of cinnamon used in the studies was 3.76 g/day.
- Limitations of the study include varying types of cinnamon used, inconsistent supplementation dosages, and study durations.
- The study only included articles published in English and excluded case reports, observational, in vitro, in vivo, and quasi-experimental studies.
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