Can a dietary supplement containing cinnamon, chromium and carnosine prevent pre-diabetes progressing to diabetes?

This study examined whether a dietary supplement containing cinnamon, chromium and carnosine could reduce fasting blood glucose (sugar) levels in pre-diabetics.

Preventing the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes is a major focus at the moment. The fasting plasma (blood) glucose test (FPG) is used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes. This test is a measure of the blood glucose levels in an individual who has not eaten anything for 8 hours. A normal FPG is 4-5.5 mmol/L. Individuals with pre-diabetes have an FPG between 5.5 and 7 mmol/L. Diabetes is diagnosed if the FPG is greater than 7mmol/L. Reducing the FPG can therefore delay diabetes diagnosis in pre-diabetics and may prevent progression to diabetes.

Cinnamon is a spice which is known to reduce blood glucose levels. Chromium is a mineral obtained from the diet which is also important in reducing blood glucose levels. Carnosine is a substance present in the muscle and brain which reduces blood glucose levels. A dietary supplement called glycabiane contains a combination cinnamon, chromium and carnosine and may be useful in reducing the FPG in overweight pre-diabetics.

This study aimed to determine whether a combination cinnamon, chromium and carnosine can reduce FPG levels in individuals with pre-diabetes. This study involved 62 participants who had pre-diabetes and were overweight.

Participants were divided into two groups. One group received 1.2 g of glycabiane each day for 4 months. The other group received 1.2 g of a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect) each day. Participants were followed over a 6 month period.

Participants receiving glycabiane had a lower FPG after 4 months (-0.24 mmol/L) compared to the start of the study. The placebo group did not see a significant change (+0.12 mmol/L). Participants receiving glycabiane also had an average increase in fat-free mass (total body mass without fat) by 1.2 kg.  However, there was no change in body weight, insulin sensitivity (ability of insulin to work) or insulin levels in the blood.

This study concluded that a combination of cinnamon, chromium and carnosine decreases FPG and increases fat-free mass in overweight pre-diabetics.

The oral glucose tolerance test (measure of how quickly blood glucose levels are reduced) was not used. The oral glucose tolerance test is also used to diagnose diabetes and should have been included in this study.

Consult your physician regarding the dietary supplements available to help lower blood glucose levels.