The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 37818728 · doi:10.1002/ptr.8026
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) searched across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2022. Using random-effects models, they evaluated the effect of cinnamon supplementation versus control on glycemic control markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs).
What was found
Based on 24 RCTs, cinnamon supplementation resulted in statistically significant reductions in: - Fasting blood sugar: SMD -1.32 (95% CI: -1.77 to -0.87, p < 0.001) - HOMA-IR: SMD -1.32 (95% CI: -1.77 to -0.87, p < 0.001) - Hemoglobin A1c: SMD -0.67 (95% CI: -1.18 to -0.15, p = 0.011) Serum insulin levels showed no statistically significant change compared with controls (SMD: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.34 to 0.01, p = 0.058).
Why it matters
This updated meta-analysis compiles evidence from 24 trials suggesting cinnamon may act as an effective adjunctive therapy to improve glycemic parameters and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.
Limits
The abstract does not report total participant sample size, cinnamon species, preparations, doses, or trial durations. Findings are presented as standardized mean differences rather than absolute clinical units (e.g., mg/dL or % HbA1c). Notably, the abstract lists identical SMD and 95% CI values for fasting blood sugar and HOMA-IR. Heterogeneity, risk of bias, safety data, and concurrent diabetes medications are not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Scientific research shows that cinnamon has an impact on lowering or regulating blood sugar.