Berberine for Diabetes, Blood Sugar Management & Insulin Sensitivity

Research suggests that the phytochemical Berberine can support healthy blood glucose levels and improve biomarkers of type II diabetes.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, this supplement is effective at moderately reducing blood sugar levels and in decreasing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

This herbal extract may work by improving insulin sensitivity and boosting the expression of insulin receptor proteins. It also appears to inhibit the production of glucose in the liver, which may support the regulation of healthy blood glucose levels.

Some comparative studies suggest that it may have benefits similar to those experienced with metformin for patients with Type II Diabetes. However, the FDA has not approved berberine as a drug for the treatment or management of Diabetes.

If you have Diabetes and are considering using this supplement, it is important to consult with your doctor to decide if it is appropriate for you. This article will discuss the research supporting its use, how it works and how to use berberine for Diabetes safely.

Berberine

Herbal Extract

Heart Health

Immunity

Gut Health

How It Works:

• Supports immune function & digestion
• Supports blood sugar metabolism
• Maintain cardivascular health & lipid levels

Dosage:

Between 900 - 1200 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Berberine for Diabetes

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants, including the Berberis family of shrubs, European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric.

These plants have a long history of use in traditional medicine practices from China as well as in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

The plant alkaloid berberine is often used as a dye in manufacturing, but it has gained popularity as a supplement as well.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, this compound has been used for a number of different purposes, including candida infections, PCOS and liver disease.

People have also used berberine for diabetes, a chronic condition that occurs when the body can’t regulate blood sugar properly.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved berberine for diabetes treatment, but some preliminary research has shown that it produces effects that are beneficial to people with this condition.

Below is some additional information about berberine, its effects and research relating to its potential benefits for people with diabetes.

Understanding Diabetes

There are two different types of Diabetes that individual may develop: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

This condition occurs when the body can’t produce the insulin it needs to control blood sugar levels. Treatment typically consists of blood sugar monitoring, dietary changes and insulin.

Whereas people with type 1 diabetes often have their condition from a very young age, type 2 diabetes typically develops later in life. It occurs when the body is no longer able to use insulin properly and blood sugar levels become too high.

This condition can lead to many different complications over time, including eye problems, nerve damage and kidney damage. In order to avoid complications and reduce the severity of symptoms, blood sugar levels must be controlled as much as possible.

In most cases, a variety of treatments are recommended, including weight loss, exercise, dietary changes, blood sugar monitoring, antidiabetes medications and injectable insulin.

Does Berberine Lower Blood Sugar?

Some studies have indicated a connection between berberine and blood sugar. For example, a study conducted by Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine showed that treatment with berberine reduced plasma triglycerides, postprandial blood glucose, fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C among patients with type 2 diabetes.

The effects were said to be similar to that of metformin, a prescription drug commonly used to treat this condition.

According to Examine.com, “Human and animal research demonstrates that 1500mg of berberine, taken in three doses of 500mg each, is equally effective as taking 1500mg of metformin or 4mg glibenclamide, two pharmaceuticals for treating type II diabetes.”

According to the Natural Medicines Database, other studies have also supported these findings. Furthermore, in a research study conducted by Anhui Medical University in China, scientists found that berberine may be effective in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Studies show that it can improve insulin signaling transduction in insulin-resistant cells, which means that it may support the body’s ability to transport sugars from the blood stream into cells.

Berberine also affects hepatic gluconeogenesis, which refers to glucose being generated in the liver by non-carbohydrate substrates. By inhibiting the generation of new glucose molecules in the liver, this may help to keep levels in the blood lower.

According to one meta-review, berberine has a number of different antidiabetic effects that can support healthy glucose metabolism. This includes “increasing insulin secretion, stimulating glycolysis, suppressing adipogenesis, inhibiting mitochondrial function, activating the AMPK pathway, increasing glycokinase activity, and increasing GLUT-4 and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels.”

Although several researchers have stated that their results support the use of berberine for diabetes type 2 treatment, further study is needed in order to verify these findings.

Limited evidence exists to support its use for people with type 1 diabetes, so patients with this condition should consult a physician before using berberine. In addition, it is important to note that berberine may not be appropriate or effective for every patient with type 2 diabetes.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Berberine has been well tolerated in most studies, but side effects are still possible. If used appropriately, the risk of adverse effects can be reduced.

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal problems, low heart rate (bradycardia) and headache. In rare cases, it may cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure (hypertension) or respiratory problems.

Berberine may also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Because patients taking berberine for diabetes are often taking other diabetes medications as well, the risk for hypoglycemia is greater.

If you plan to use this supplement and you are undergoing treatment for diabetes, talk to your doctor about the dosage that is most appropriate for you. In some cases, dosages of other medications you are already taking may need to be adjusted.

If you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia while taking berberine, check your blood sugar immediately and take steps to raise it if you find that it has dropped to an unsafe level.

Keep in mind that berberine may interact with certain medications in addition to drugs used to treat diabetes. Other medications that may interact with this alkaloid include anticoagulant drugs, blood pressure medications, CNS depressants, tamoxifen, Risperdal, Haldol, Zofran and Effexor, as well as others.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take berberine. This supplement is also rated Likely Unsafe for young children and infants due to the risk of side effects.

How to Take Berberine for Diabetes

Because berberine is not currently an approved medication for diabetes, standardized dosage guidelines from the FDA for taking the supplement for this purpose do not exist.

However, in past research studies, berberine is typically administered to diabetes patients in its oral form.
The Natural Medicines Database reports that the following dosages have been used for patients with diabetes in past research studies:

• Type 2 diabetes: 500 mg of berberine two to three times daily for up to three months.
• Diabetes and fatty liver disease: 600 mg of berberine twice daily for up to 12 weeks.

Keep in mind that, even though these dosages have been well tolerated in past research studies, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Talk to your doctor before adding any supplement, including berberine, to your treatment regimen.
If you experience any serious reactions while using berberine for diabetes, stop using the supplement and seek medical advice before resuming it.

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