Question

es JR, a 55-year-old white male, is seen in follow-up after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He was prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily at his last visit. When talking to JR, he admits he never filled his prescription but took his neighbor’s advice instead and began taking cinnamon. He states he Googled the spice and found that it is effective at lowering blood sugar. Upon further questioning, he states he just grabs a spoon from the drawer and uses his wife’s baking cinnamon. 1. What additional information is needed prior to developing a mutually agreed upon plan of care? 2. What information should JR be given concerning the use of cinnamon to treat diabetes?

Answer 1

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from any problem in insulin secretion or action or both . Polyuria , polydipsia and polyphagia may accompany diabetes along with elevated blood sugar levels more than 100mg/dL(Fasting blood glucose), more than 160mg/dL(random blood sugar).Clearly explain the patient about about potential side effects of taking any drugs without physician's recommendation. This can end up in decreasing his blood sugar below normal or can even end up in some other complications.

1. Additional information needed is how much he have consumed cinnamon till now because it is not safe to consume cinnamon more than 6 g /day and also not more than 6 weeks. Also the details regarding his consumption of tab.metformin and for how many days he consumed it.  

JR should be given a questionnaire or questioned about his knowledge on Diabetes and treatment. He should be provided with health education regarding management of Diabetes and necessary modifications in lifestyle and food habits.

2. There is a little evidence regarding Cinnamon's action against Diabetes . Overconsumption of cinnamon may lead to liver damage because of the flavouring substance 'Cassia cinnamon' . Some are sensitive to cinnamon and it may prolong the bleeding time of blood. There are potential hazards due to herbal therapy in common.