Preliminary Assessment of Diabetic Youth's Acceptance of Cinnamon in Treating Diabetes: A Telephone Interview

In: Journal of human sciences and extension

Abstract

Medications in treatment and control of diabetes can be costly for pediatric patients and families. Therefore, individuals may seek complementary and alternative therapies, such as cinnamon, in addition to traditional treatments. The objective of this study was to determine acceptability of using cinnamon in treatment of diabetes in a pediatric population with diabetes. Seventy-six pediatric diabetes patients at a diabetes clinic participated in a one-time telephone interview using an 18-item, validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were utilized to determine cinnamon acceptability and preferences. The majority of the subjects were between 16-18 years (43%, n = 33), Caucasian (62%, n = 47), and female (67%, n = 51). More than three-fourths were overweight or at risk of being overweight (80%, n = 60). Seventy-six percent stated that they would be willing to try cinnamon for treatment of their diabetes, whereas 14.5% were undecided and 9.2% unwilling. Most (n = 56, 52.5%) were willing to take the cinnamon supplement 1-2 times per day. The greatest concerns expressed by subjects were side effects, interaction with current medications, and physician's willingness to approve and prescribe. This research suggests that in consultation with health professionals, diabetic youth are willing to try cinnamon supplementation in the treatment.