Cinnamon – The Spice of Life FOR DIABETICS & PRE-DIABETICS

by Sheila Huettl

TROUBLES CAUSED BY A SURPLUS OF SUGAR

DIABETICS HAVE ELEVATED blood sugar levels because their natural supply of insulin isn't able to uptake glucose effectively from the bloodstream and deliver it to the muscles, fat and other cells. As a result, cells become starved for energy, and the high blood glucose levels (if unregulated) can cause serious complications over time, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney failure and complications of pregnancy. Ninety-five percent of Americans with diabetes have type 2 (previously known as adult-onset) diabetes, which occurs when the body develops “insulin resistance” and eventually slows insulin production. The main causes of type 2 diabetes are genetic predisposition, old age, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

GOOD NEWS

Fortunately, with proper treatment, people with type 2 diabetes can enjoy healthy, active lives. Simple, fundamental lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. Multiple studies have shown that exercising regularly, following general dietary guidelines and maintaining a healthy weight can help to slow or prevent type 2 diabetes and type 2 complications. Currently, many people with type 2 diabetes take insulin or oral medications to help regulate blood glucose levels. As helpful as these medications can be, there are drawbacks—insulin pumps are very inconvenient, and the oral drugs are sometimes ineffective and can have dangerous or unpleasant side effects.

CINNAMON SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

As you might guess, natural medicine has much help to offer diabetics. New research shows that cinnamon and several other herbs and minerals may provide significant support in stabilizing blood sugar levels and averting complications from type 2 diabetes. According to recent studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and academics in the U.S. and abroad, cinnamon contains properties that “mimic” the action of insulin and consequently trigger insulin release. Upwards of 40 studies have also found that the mineral chromium assists insulin function and increases glucose metabolism in people with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

In April 2005, the ADA journal Diabetes Care published a review of past studies investigating the use of herbs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. According to the review, the herbs American ginseng, Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia (bitter melon), prickly pear cactus (also called Nopal cactus) and the spice fenugreek showed promise for helping to regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics, and the review encouraged further research.

A Modern-Day Epidemic Diabetes was originally named in the first century by the Greek physician Aretaus who described the disease as rare. Today, 19 centuries later, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and throughout the world. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that 20.8 million Americans (or 7 percent of the total population) have diabetes. Of these, 6.2 million are still undiagnosed, and an additional 41 million Americans are pre-diabetic. The incidence of diabetes has also increased by 60 percent between 1990 and 2001 and is currently growing at a rate of 8 percent per year. Sadly, diabetes has also become the most prevalent chronic illness among children. With these staggering statistics, it's more important than ever to fully understand the disorder and all its consequences and to know what healthy and safe remedies are available.

CINNAMON 6

You won't have to look further than your local health food or supplement store to find a product containing these medicinal herbs and minerals. Herbal Promise offers Cinnamon 6, a carefully balanced proprietary blend of cinnamon, bitter melon, Nopal cactus, fenugreek, American ginseng, Gymnema sylvestre and chromium picollinate (the most bioavailable form of chromium)—cinnamon plus six. The supplement was developed as a labor of love by Dr. James Chappell, a board-certified chiropractic and naturopathic physician, clinical nutritionist and medical herbalist who has been working with chronic and severe illnesses for 36 years. Dr. Chappell lost his mother to diabetes in 1986 and has since dedicated himself to find the causes and cures for diabetes. The above research certainly indicates that the natural ingredients comprising Cinnamon 6 can help your body regulate blood glucose levels to a normal range. Cinnamon 6 sounds like a spice for a healthier life for diabetics.

References available at www.freedompressonline.com

The Doctors' Prescription for Healthy Living / Volume 10, Number 2