Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is characterized by excess amounts of glucose in the bloodstream. It is classified into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder where the body destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for reducing the glucose level in blood. Type 2 is a development from the bodies resistance to insulin. This means that the body cannot use the insulin it produces to reduce glucose levels to an acceptable level.

Type I cannot produce insulin; type 2 cannot get enough insulin even though the body still produces it.

Recent studies have suggested that cinnamon has had positive affects on reducing the blood sugar levels. This could be seen as good news for people with type 2 diabetes as it could effectively minimize their need for medication but is cinnamon all that it's cracked up to be. This article will shed more light on the studies.

The study, published by the diabetic care journal in 2003 was conducted at the university of Peshawar, Pakistan. 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes took part in the experiment for a period of 60 days. During this time each subject ingested cinnamon cassia, as opposed to true cinnamon, mixed with wheat flour. The mixture was taken in varying concentrations in capsule form.

During the experiment the subjects levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides reduced in proportion to the amount of cinnamon ingested. The placebo cases showed no signs of change.

The conclusion of the experiment was that cinnamon taken as a part of the regular diet could benefit people with type 2 diabetes to keep blood sugar levels lower. It could also benefit the general population and minimize their risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Of course, more study is needed and exactly how cinnamon does this is still unknown. The conclusion in no way suggests that cinnamon can be used as an alternative to prescribed medication, but as another part of a healthy eating regime and regular exercise.

Learn how to create your own diabetic diet plan and find out how to get cheap diabetic testing supplies on line by visiting http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including using diabetic food and things to consider when cooking for diabetics.