The use of complementary and alternative medicine by individuals with features of metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including dietary supplements, by individuals with and without features of metabolic syndrome (FeMS). METHODS: Using a cross sectional study design, information was obtained by self-administered questionnaires from 300 university individuals. FeMS was defined as any individuals self-reporting at least one of the clinical diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or obesity. Finally, two categories were created for cross tabulation, and individuals with and without FeMS were compared. RESULTS: Of the 192 individuals completing the study, 39% (n=76) were currently using or had used CAM therapies in the past 12 months. Individuals with FeMS (n=54, 28%) were more likely (P<0.05) to use different types of CAM therapies, in particular dietary and herbal supplements, aromatherapy and massage therapy compared to individuals without FeMS (n=138, 72%). CONCLUSION: Individuals with FeMS were more likely to use CAM, particularly supplements. Doctors need to properly inquire about and understand their patients' supplement use, especially if CAM therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medications

The effect of dietary intervention on Glycaemic control in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the UK and western society has continued to rise particularly given sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy food choices. There is growing evidence indicating that an effective dietary intervention could benefit patients by improving glycaemic control and the complications associated with type 2 diabetes milletus. Based on the results of a systematic review and a survey, a randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cinnamon on HbA1c blood pressure and serum lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes

Individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome are more likely to use a variety of dietary supplements

Background It has been suggested that users of dietary supplements are likely to be people who are more health conscious. It is therefore conceivable that developing a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes, insulin resistance or hypertension, may make an individual more receptive to dietary supplement use. The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals with self-reported features of metabolic syndrome (FeMS) were more likely to use different dietary supplements compared with individuals without self-reported FeMS. Method In this cross sectional survey a total of 300 individuals working or studying in a UK university were invited to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, health status, use of dietary supplements and lifestyle. Results A total o the 210 individuals completing the questionnaire, 32% (n = 66) were currently using or had used dietary supplements in the past 12 months. The five most common dietary supplements used were; multi vitamins (38%), fish oils (35%), calcium (26%), different herbal supplements (24%) and omega 3 oils (24%). Individuals with FeMS (defined as at least 1 self reported condition of; diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia or obesity), (n = 54; 28%) were more likely (P < 0.05) to use different types of dietary supplements and less likely to report or discuss the use of dietary supplements with their general practitioner (P = 0.043) than those without FeMS. Discussion FeMS may be an independent predictor of dietary supplement use. Dietary supplement use is more common in older individuals and those with higher educational status

The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance

Aim: Cinnamon has a long history as an antidiabetic spice, but trials involving cinnamon supplementation have produced contrasting results. The aim of this review was to examine the results of randomized controlled clinical trials of cinnamon and evaluate the therapeutic potential amongst patients with diabetes and insulin-resistant patients, particularly the ability to reduce blood glucose levels and inhibit protein glycation. Methods: A systematic electronic literature search using the medical subject headings ‘cinnamon’ and ‘blood glucose’ was carried out to include randomized, placebo-controlled in vivo clinical trials using Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia conducted between January 2003 and July 2008. Results: Five type 2 diabetic and three non-diabetic studies (total N = 311) were eligible. Two of the diabetic studies illustrated significant fasting blood glucose (FBG) reductions of 18–29% and 10.3% (p < 0.05), supported by one non-diabetic trial reporting an 8.4% FBG reduction (p < 0.01) vs. placebo, and another illustrating significant reductions in glucose response using oral glucose tolerance tests (p < 0.05). Three diabetic studies reported no significant results. Conclusions: Whilst definitive conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the use of cinnamon as an antidiabetic therapy, it does possess antihyperglycaemic properties and potential to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. Further research is required to confirm a possible correlation between baseline FBG and blood glucose reduction and to assess the potential to reduce pathogenic diabetic complications with cinnamon supplementation

Effect of short-term administration of cinnamon on blood pressure in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the effect of short-term administration of cinnamon on blood pressure regulation in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by performing a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Methods Medical literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effect of cinnamon on blood pressure was systematically searched; three original articles published between January 2000 and September 2012 were identified from the MEDLINE database and a hand search of the reference lists of the articles obtained through MEDLINE. The search terms included cinnamon or blood pressure or systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or diabetes. A random effects model was used to calculate weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The pooled estimate of the effect of cinnamon intake on SBP and DBP demonstrated that the use of cinnamon significantly decreased SBP and DBP by 5.39 mm Hg (95% CI, –6.89 to –3.89) and 2.6 mm Hg (95% CI, –4.53 to –0.66) respectively. Conclusion Consumption of cinnamon (short term) is associated with a notable reduction in SBP and DBP. Although cinnamon shows hopeful effects on BP-lowering potential, it would be premature to recommend cinnamon for BP control because of the limited number of studies available. Thus, undoubtedly a long-term, adequately powered RCT involving a larger number of patients is needed to appraise the clinical potential of cinnamon on BP control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus