Is there a natural swap for a diabetes Rx? At my physical I weighed 200 pounds—my highest ever—and my doctor said that’s why I’m skipping periods. He warned that if I don’t get my blood sugar and weight under control, I could become infertile. He’s recommending a diabetes medication, but is there a natural option that works?
Give cinnamon a try. In a 40-day study published in the journal Diabetes Care, cinnamon consumption enhanced cells’ ability to take in glucose for energy. That helped subjects lower their blood sugar levels by up to 29 percent—a drop that’s been linked to weight loss and up to five pounds in one week. The proven dose: 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. of ground cinnamon daily, which can be sprinkled on breakfast food (like cereal and yogurt), beverages (such as hot chocolate and coffee) and entrees (like rice and lamb). One caution: Some people with liver conditions like hepatitis can be sensitive to cinnamon and should check with their doctor before adding more of the spice to their diet.