Effects of cinnamon on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with a high global prevalence, characterized by impaired glucose regulation and associated risks of cardiovascular complications, driving the search for complementary therapies for its management. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cinnamon consumption on key metabolic parameters such as glycemic index, lipid profile, and body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic review was conducted, selecting 13 articles from an initial total of 23 obtained from scientific databases such as PubMed, Scielo, and Elsevier. The results showed that daily doses ranging from 1 g to 6 g of cinnamon over extended treatments significantly reduced HbA1c levels, fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol in some studies, while others found no notable effects, possibly due to differences in dosage, treatment duration, and individual patient characteristics. It was observed that cinnamon improves insulin signaling, inhibits enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism, and enhances glucose uptake through the GLUT-4 transporter. However, findings are heterogeneous and require further standardization. In conclusion, cinnamon demonstrates potential as an adjunct therapy for managing type 2 diabetes, but its use should be carefully evaluated considering factors such as dosage, treatment duration, and individual patient characteristics, along with integration into lifestyle modifications and conventional treatments to maximize its benefits.