Q. I suffer with type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed Glucotrol for my blood sugar. It helped to a degree, but I have found that by adding apple cider vinegar and cinnamon to a careful diet, I can control my blood sugar even better. I know I haven’t made this up, but are there any data showing that these natural remedies work?
A. There are. High-carbohydrate meals containing white bread or rice can raise blood sugar. We would not have imagined that vinegar could counteract this effect, but there is growing evidence to support your experience.
Scientists in Sweden report that vinegar given with white bread reduces blood sugar and insulin. It also helps people feel fuller up to two hours later (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2005).
Japanese researchers have found that vinegar can counteract the effect of white rice on blood sugar. And investigators at Arizona State University report that two tablespoons of vinegar before a starchy meal can significantly reduce the rise in blood glucose (Diabetes Care, Jan. 2004).
There is also research showing that one to six grams of cinnamon daily can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels (Diabetes Care, Dec. 2003).
