Does Berberine Lower Blood Sugar​?

What is Berberine?

Berberine is an alkaloid extract from a variety of natural plant sources, including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape.

It’s a natural alkaloid that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to combat infections and digestive issues.

Today, natural blood sugar support is available as a dietary supplement because it appears to have the potential to maintain metabolic health.

 Many individuals, for instance, use berberine to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support glucose metabolism.

How It Could Lower Blood Sugar

Berberine appears to reduce blood sugar by various mechanisms. It can increase your insulin sensitivity, which means that the cells in your body respond better to insulin so they draw more sugar out of your with the blood.

It also “turns on” an enzyme called AMPK (a so-called metabolic “switch”) that helps cells burn or store sugar more effectively. Some studies show that natural blood sugar support may slow the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed in the gut, meaning less of a blood sugar spike after a meal.

 It may also increase the production of some gut hormones that stimulate insulin secretion just a little. Collectively, all these effects contribute to the glucose stability.

Overview Of Research Evidence

An increasing number of studies are demonstrating that berberine has beneficial effects on controlling blood sugar. When tested in a clinical trial, men and women with type 2 diabetes who took berberine consistently had impressive declines in both fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar).

On average, natural blood sugar support supplementation has been shown to decrease fasting blood sugar approximately 15–20 mg/dL and A1c by 0.5 percentage points. Some studies even found its beneficial effects on par with that of metformin, a popular diabetes drug.

Studies even suggest that berberine can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The results, overall, have been promising although many of the trials have been small.

Larger studies are still necessary but natural blood sugar support is generally considered as a promising natural add-on for glucose maintenance.

Who Might Benefit

Berberine looks to be very useful for individuals with insulin-resistance complications. 2 diabetes or prediabetes, berberine could help improve your blood sugar control.

Those with metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, excess belly fat and high cholesterol) might feel their condition improve as well.

Berberine: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — which is often associated with insulin resistance—frequently turn to natural blood sugar support to help their blood sugar and hormones balance out.

Even if you don’t fall into any of those groups, and you frequently see high blood sugar after meals or your family has a history of diabetes, you might give berberine a whirl. In other words, berberine might be beneficial for adults with insulin-resistance issues, but healthy folks will likely not notice much benefit.

How To Take It And Side Effects

Most berberine supplements are 500-milligram capsules. A typical dosage is 500 mg two or three times metformin daily (1,000-1,500 mg/day in total).

Taking berberine on an empty stomach or around 20–30 minutes before meals is typically advised, due to the fact that food may diminish its absorption. Since natural blood sugar support is eliminated from the body within a few hours, dividing the dose can help keep it at a steady level in your system.

Most people tolerate berberine well, although some of its side effects and cautions include:

• Digestive Disruption: There’s potential for gas, diarrhea, constipation or stomach cramps, especially when you first start. These are generally mild and may even decrease if you start at a low dose and gradually add more.
• Low Blood Sugar: If you’re taking medications for diabetes, adding berberine to the mix might cause your blood sugar to drop too much. Continue to monitor your glucose and adjust medications with the help of a doctor if necessary.
• Medicine Interactions: Berberine can change liver enzymes that metabolize many drugs. That means it could alter how other drugs are metabolized. Amaryl 1 mg Tablet used to type 2 diabetes. Never start berberine without first talking to a healthcare provider about all your medications and supplements.
• Other Considerations: In rare instances, extremely high doses of natural blood sugar support have caused elevated liver enzymes; do not exceed recommended amounts. It should not be sold to any pregnant or breastfeeding women or children as its safety is not confirmed for these individuals.

When To See A Doctor

Although it’s a natural supplement, berberine can have a powerful impact on your body. As always, if you have chronic health problems or are taking prescribed medication, check with your doctor before trying a cleanse.

And if you have type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2, don’t stop or change your insulin or other medications on your own. Tell your provider if you start taking natural blood sugar support so they can watch your blood sugar and look for interactions.

If you have any serious symptoms or lingering side effects — like persistent stomach pain, unusual fatigue, yellow skin — discontinue taking berberine and speak with your doctor.

Bottom Line

It is one of the most studied natural supplements that can bring blood sugar under control. Research indicates it can modestly decrease glucose levels and improve related metabolic markers.

 It’s not a panacea, and it works best in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and any treatments prescribed by your doctor. If you decide to try natural blood sugar support, begin with a modest dosage and see how your body reacts.

Choose a high-quality supplement brand. Keep in mind that keeping your blood sugar at healthy levels typically is a mix of good habits, medical care and sometimes useful supplements. Use Berberine as a weapon in your wellness arsenal.