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Diabetes Type II and Berberine: Dosage and Research

on Mar 25, 2021| Modified on May 10, 2024
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Beberine for Diabeters

Diabetes is a common disease that affects many Americans, and 90 to 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ("T2DM").

I will be discussing T2DM and one herbal option to help deal with it effectively based on multiple studies. Since Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is significantly less common, I will focus this discussion on Type 2 Diabetes.

T2DM occurs in 1 out of 10 in the US, while pre-diabetes occurs in 1 in 3, illustrating what a considerable health concern T2DM is. (1)

Treating T2DM effectively early in the disease process can go a long way in preventing many of the health complications seen in advanced stage T2DM, which can be very disabling.

Today, I would like to discuss the supplement Berberine and the studies that show how it can help fight against Type II Diabetes through multiple methods of action.

Berberine for Type II Diabetes

1. In this first study, Berberine shows somewhat similar effects as the common T2DM drug, Metformin.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29515798/

2. The following study is interesting because it shows that Berberine can also protect against Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5478779/

3. The next study abstract shows that Berberine lowers blood glucose in T2DM patients by increasing insulin receptor expression.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19800084/

4. In this study, Berberine is shown to be synergistic with Metformin, where both together are better than either one alone at lowering high glucose induced lipogenesis. For those who are not familiar with Metformin, it is considered a first line pharmaceutical for treating T2DM. Here is a quote from the study:

>>> The combination of Metformin and Berberine exerted synergistic lipid-lowering effects on HepG2 cells by reducing total lipid content, triglyceride level, and the expression of the genes involved in lipogenesis.<<<

5. This next abstract adds more data to the idea that Berberine and Metformin may work well together.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30428337/

6. This is an older study (2008), but it goes into significant detail of many of the ways in which Berberine may be beneficial for patients in the fight against T2DM. It also discusses the lipid and triglyceride-lowering effects of Berberine and discusses the dosing used in the study as 1,500 mg total Berberine per day in 3 divided doses of 500 mg each dose spread throughout the day.

Here is a quote from the study :

>>> In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that Berberine is a potent oral hypoglycemic agent with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism.<<<

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/

7. The following Meta-Analysis determines that Berberine is able to lower hyperglycemia, lipids, hypertension and raise HDL cholesterol while exhibiting a good safety profile.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25498346/

Berberine Dosage for Type II Diabetes

In this article, dosing of Berberine at 1,500 mg per day divided into three equal doses of 500 mg each during the day is mentioned as a possible dosing schedule, along with an explanation of why.

There are many more studies discussing the use of Berberine as an adjunctive treatment for T2DM, but the above should give you a good idea of how helpful Berberine can be.

Conclusion

The above studies and information illustrate that Berberine has hypoglycemic effects, lipid-lowering effects, and synergy with the front-line T2DM pharmacological treatment, Metformin, in T2DM patients worth discussing with your doctor for pre-diabetes and T2DM.

If you search the internet, you will also find plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that Berberine is useful in T2DM.

As always, I am not a doctor and, as such, cannot recommend Berberine as a treatment for T2DM, nor can I offer dosing advice, but fortunately, dosing advice is given in one study and one article above! In any case, given the serious nature of T2DM, consulting your doctor or healthcare professional before starting Berberine is needed.

----------------------------------------

Where to Buy

Berberine can be found in most health food stores and online. The product you choose should offer capsules that are pure Berberine with no additional active products in it and each capsule should contain 500 mg each of Berberine in order to try and replicate dosing used in studies.

Here are 2 good companies on Amazon.



Thorne Research - Berberine-500 - Botanical Compound to Support Blood Sugar Metabolism - 60 Capsules

Integrative Therapeutics - Berberine 500mg - Metabolism of Blood Sugar Support Supplements - HCL - Vegan - 60 Capsules

Update

12/28/2021:

I wanted to update my above article because a new meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials just came out that adds further confirmation to the value of Berberine for diabetes.

This new meta-analysis (MA) of RCTs( December 2021) of the use of Berberine for T2DM is very enlightening and clearly illustrates that Berberine is a very good adjunctive treatment or possibly even a primary treatment option for T2DM :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8696197/

Here is an important quote from the full MA :

>>> ' Forty-six trials were assessed. Analysis of berberine applied alone or with standard diabetic therapies versus the control group revealed significant reductions in HbA1c (MD = −0.73; 95% CI (−0.97, −0.51)), FPG (MD = −0.86,95% CI (−1.10, −0.62)), and 2hPG (MD = −1.26,95% CI (−1.64, −0.89)). Improved insulin resistance was assessed by lowering FINS (MD = −2.05,95% CI (−2.62, −1.48)), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.71,95% CI (−1.03, −0.39)), and BMI (MD = −1.07,95% CI (−1.76, −0.37)). Lipid metabolisms were also ameliorated via the reduction of TG (MD = −0.5,95% CI (−0.61, −0.39)), TC (MD = 0.64,95% CI (−0.78, −0.49)), and LDL (MD = 0.86,95% CI (−1.06, −0.65)) and the upregulation of HDL (MD = 0.17,95% CI (0.09,0.25)). Additionally, berberine improved the inflammation factor. ' <<<

This multitude of positive health enhancements including reduction of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and Tnf-alpha as well as positive heart and kidney effects accompanied by a very good safety profile make Berberine a "must consider" option for people with diabetes. The added lipid improving effects are just the icing on the cake.

It seems likely that pulsing of Berberine dosing may prolong the effectiveness of Berberine over the longer term, helping to prevent the body from becoming resistant to its effectiveness.

Art

About The Author

Art Solbrig is a researcher who has been reading scientific studies and testing natural remedies for over 30 years searching for useful studies and alternatives that apply positively to human health issues and natural treatments using minerals, vitamins, amino acids, essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, colloidal silver, combination treatments and other alternatives to improve the quality of life of others by writing about his findings and test results in places like Earth Clinic. He documents and writes about many of his experiences in helping others. Art is a native of sunny California.

Related Links:

Diabetes Type I: Home Remedies and Holistic Treatment
Diabetic Neuropathy Remedies
Natural Remedies for Type II Diabetes: Diet, Supplements & Tips

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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2 User Reviews
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Posted by Art (California) on 01/31/2024 2325 posts
 ★★★★★

Previously (March 2021) I have written about the value of Berberine for diabetes here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/berberine-for-diabetes.html

And Here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/six-supplements-for-diabetes-art-solbrig.html

This very recent review of multiple studies adds further confirmation to the idea that berberine is quite useful for diabetes through multiple methods of action, not just for lowering glucose levels :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10819502/

Here is a relevant quote from the review :

Based on previous research, BBR significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, BBR stimulated insulin secretion and improved insulin resistance through different pathways, including up-regulation of protein expression of proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, PI3K/AKT, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Interestingly, it was demonstrated that BBR has protective effects against diabetes complications, such as diabetic-induced hepatic damage, cardiovascular disorders, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Furthermore, multiple clinical trial studies have emphasized the ameliorative effects of BBR in type 2 diabetic patients.

The sum total of the research on berberine for diabetes type two seems very convincing, with wide-ranging healthful effects!

Art

Replied by Beryl
(UK)
02/01/2024

Hi,

With all due respect, I've tried taking Berberine in the past, and it did nothing to lower my blood glucose levels. Diabetes UK do not recommend it. The best way to lower levels is to go on a carbohydrate restricted diet.

Art
(California)
02/01/2024
2325 posts

Hi Beryl,

Could you explain why they don't recommend it? It lowers blood glucose and HbA1c when taken at proper dosing and time. It reduces inflammation and damaging oxidative stress. It has synergy with metformin and has some very important health activities that would be highly beneficial for people with diabetes type 2. T2DM increases your risk for the following, stroke, AMD, dementia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), causes beta cell dysfunction or damage, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, osteoporosis and liver disease while berberine can work against all of these health issues. I am not aware of any drugs that can do all that berberine can do for people with diabetes type 2.

So please come back and explain why they do not recommend it, because with all of the above incomplete list of benefits that berberine offers to diabetics as shown in multiple studies, I do not understand why they would not highly recommend berberine, but I would surely like to know why they don't? Please also mention how and when you are dosing berberine that it does not lower your glucose level.

Art

Beryl
(uk)
02/03/2024

Dear Art,

I would love to be able to say that I've taken Berberine and it lowered my blood glucose levels, but this has not been the case. If I remember correctly I've taken it on three separate occasions as directed but there were no positive results. Perhaps I didn't take it for long enough. Also, it didn't make me feel great whilst on it.

There's a couple of websites here in the UK that I'm aware of, Diabetes UK and Diabetes Co. UK. You may care to look at these yourself.

This is a quote from Diabetes UK's website. "Diabetes UK does not recommend the use of herbal remedies and supplements as there is not enough evidence that they are safe and effective for people with diabetes to use." (This is not my viewpoint as I've taken many supplements over the years).

Also, I'm not aware of of NHS here in the UK recommending its use.

Having Type II Diabetes myself, I have trawled the forums of the two above websites a number of times. People write in with their queries, successes, etc, and Berberine is rarely mentioned. If it was so successful I feel sure there would be hundreds of Berberine devotees shouting from the rooftops extolling its virtues, but they appear to be non existent.

We have an excellent doctor here in the UK, a Dr David Unwin, who has pioneered the concept of reducing the amount of carbohydrates we consume to improve blood sugar levels, and this has proved very successful.

Hand on heart, I wish I could say that Berberine worked brilliantly for me, but it didn't. If it had been successful I would certainly be taking it now. However, there may be others for whom it may prove beneficial.

Respect and best wishes to you.

Art
(California)
02/03/2024
2325 posts

Hi Beryl,

I understand now. If an organization does not wish to recommend herbal remedies, then of course, berberine would not be recommended by them.

As to why you may not see many people commenting on berberine in the UK, I just looked on Amazon UK and it looks like they don't offer a supplement that is just berberine, but they do have one supplement that has berberine and cinnamon in it as shown here when I searched for berberine :

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=berberine&crid=12GHST2I69J62&sprefix=berberine,aps,224&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

It is also worth noting that this product costs roughly $60 US dollars, making it more than three times the price of a more potent product available on US Amazon which I linked to below :

Compared to here in the US Amazon, they are loaded with all types of Berberine supplements as shown here :

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=berberine&crid=1GGQLAW69DCXX&sprefix=berberine,aps,139&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

The following link takes you to a product on US Amazon that also contains berberine and cinnamon :

https://www.amazon.com/NutriFlair-Premium-Berberine-Ceylon-Cinnamon/dp/B08HHQWBBZ/ref=sxin_14_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.92181fe7-c843-4c1b-b489-84c087a93895:amzn1.sym.92181fe7-c843-4c1b-b489-84c087a93895&crid=1GGQLAW69DCXX&cv_ct_cx=berberine&keywords=berberine&pd_rd_i=B08HHQWBBZ&pd_rd_r=8335d010-bd80-4e6d-a221-e59aaaafda39&pd_rd_w=K2hez&pd_rd_wg=BadWo&pf_rd_p=92181fe7-c843-4c1b-b489-84c087a93895&pf_rd_r=QG29T8QQAN2C4CV9EJB1&qid=1706996738&sbo=RZvfv//HxDF+O5021pAnSA==&sprefix=berberine,aps,139&sr=1-5-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

For a comparison to the UK product which contains 250 mg of berberine per capsule and 250 mg of cinnamon per capsule, the US product contains 600 mg of berberine per capsule and 100 mg of Ceylon Cinnamon per capsule.

Based on the effective dosage of berberine for diabetes established in human studies, 1500 mg total per day minimum, it will take 3 of the US capsules to get enough berberine to reach the effective dose. For the UK product it will take 6 capsules per day to get to the effective dose of 1500 mg/day. That means the 120 capsule UK bottle will last only 20 days whereas the US product which also has 120 capsules will last 40 days or twice as long for about one third the price of the UK product.

Given the above, I can see why people in the UK have little interest in using berberine as it is simply very expensive to use and there is very little in the way of choices of product if Amazon UK is a fair representation of availability and pricing.

You still didn't say what dose you used that was ineffective for you, but if you took the UK product at the effective dose, that would mean you are also getting 1500 mg of burmanii cinnamon a day and that is a lot. Just 1000 mg of cinnamon per day has shown to be beneficial for glycemic control. Given the high price and limited selection to use berberine at the effective dose in the UK, I can see where you may have been taking less than the effective dose, which of course would not work for the purpose of glycemic control.

To give you a better idea of the science of berberine for diabetes, this very recent (November 2023) meta analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of berberine for glycemic control in adults shows that berberine is effective for glycemic control :

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38016844/

Here is a relevant quote from the meta analysis :

' The finding of our umbrella showed that the supplementation of BBR could be effective in improving glycemic parameters and inflammatory marker in adults. '

When you also consider the other benefits that berberine has shown in working against many of the severe side effects of diabetes as I mentioned in my previous reply to you, berberine is clearly a very valuable supplement for the majority of diabetics in the world and likely is in a class by itself in that regard.

Art

Replied by App_Manitoun
(Kanata, Winnipeg)
05/10/2024
★★★★★

Type II Diabetes and Berberine

What if any way can a person ensure they are getting top quality supplements?

Berberine

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Nana Monster (Hannibal, New York) on 08/08/2016
 ★★★★★

I was using glyburide and my numbers were going up to around 300+ with a high of 429. The doc wanted me on Januvia which I refused so he kicked me out of his practice. THEN I found a new one and he switched me to Glimpiride...BAD stuff. After 3 weeks on it I was having headaches, severe muscle spasms, joint pain, chest pain (have heart issues), sugar numbers were going up and it kicked in the glucoama real bad to the point everything was fuzzy. He then wanted me on Farxiga which is super bad so I asked him about Berberine. He didn't know anything about so I went ahead and did more research and decided it was something I wanted to try.

I've been on it for 5 weeks now and my lowest starting number was 110 and the highest nite time was 189. I'm staying between 120-170 on an average low to high range. I can definitely live with this as it's well over half of what I was running with big pharma's stuff. I feel a lot better, more energy, skin is soooooo soft.

Still have some residual from the Glimpiride with the headaches and chest pain mainly but every now and then the muscles let go. I'm hoping that the numbers continue to improve. I go in 2 weeks for a blood draw for the A1C and then the following week for a checkup. I'll let you know how the doctor handles me not doing the drug and instead going for the plants. I use a brand which has Barberry and Oregon Grape Seed. Will post again in about a month and let you know how I'm doing. Dropped about 10 pounds so far too :)

Berberine
Posted by Adele (Portland, Or) on 04/28/2014
 ★★★★★

I have cured my Type 2 diabetes by taking Berberine. 500mg 3 times daily, before or with food. I take no medication.

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
04/29/2014

Adele from Portland, Or-- thank you very much for your post. I hope I can get Berberine from the health food store. Congratulations. Namaste Om

Replied by Adele
(Portland, OR)
08/19/2014

There is a selection of berberine on Amazon. I use Dr Whitaker's or Glyco, any one will do. Make sure it is pure and made in the US. One of them comes with Banaba too, I am using this now and have gone to 400 mg from 500.

Berberine Side Effects

3 User Reviews
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Posted by Sabri (Larkspur) on 06/28/2023
 ★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Berberine-Induced constipation

Hello! Berberine has been near-miraculous for my blood sugar. An absolute wonder. My only issue is that I am constipated in a way I have never been before. As though my intestines are filled with concrete. Nothing moving. I'll keep taking it as it has helped my brain function immensely (which had been impacted by high blood sugar) but would love to know if anyone has resolved a constipation issue. I tried MSM which gave me a headache and I cannot take magnesium due to a parathyroidectomy.

Any ideas??

Thank you all so much! I love this place ❤️

Replied by Art
(California)
06/28/2023
2325 posts

Sabri,

What can help both the diabetes and the constipation is Magnesium Citrate (MC). You can also try reducing your berberine dose slightly. MC can also help maintain blood glucose level so the MC can potentially compensate for the reduced berberine dose to help you maintain your blood glucose in a healthier range.

Normally I would recommend Magnesium Glycinate (MG), but the MC is better at getting the digestive tract moving. I wrote a little about using magnesium for diabetes here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/magnesium-for-diabetes-art-solbrig.html

I also wrote a little about berberine for diabetes here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/berberine-for-diabetes.html

If the above does not resolve the constipation issue, I can suggest a substitute for the Berberine.

Art

Sabri
(Larkspur)
07/11/2023

Dear Art;

Goodness, I hadn't realised there were any responses until now! My apologies for the delay in responding! Thank you so very much for your detailed and kind response. I would be interested in your ideas for substitutes though to be used with the Berberine rather than in lieu of.

A few things: as mentioned in my initial post, I cannot take magnesium due to a parathyroidectomy which means that my calcium can fall dangerously low in the presence of extra magnesium. I do take melatonin (I know it is one of your suggestions) though recently I have read that there is a subset of people for whom melatonin can raise blood sugar so I am cutting back on it, ever so slightly. I drink Ceylon Cinnamon sticks simmered in water for blood sugar properties and also raw apple cider and pumpkin vinegars which sometimes help with the constipation.

Thank you again for the wonderful suggestions and for taking the time to respond with such thorough information.

All the best, Sabri.

Replied by Hollyhock
(America)
06/28/2023

Magnesium oxide helps, or castor oil, milk of magnesia, etc.

Sabri
(Larkspur)
07/11/2023

Thank you so much for the kind counsel, Hollyhock. Alas, I cannot take magnesium due to a parathyroidectomy which leaves me at risk of low calcium. My apologies for the delayed response!

Replied by Gary
(Kitchener On)
06/28/2023

Hi Sabri

Whenever I have that problem, I put 1/4 teaspoon of Ginger powder in a glass of water and either drink it all at once or sip until finished.

Usually drink around supper, and morning I have relief.

Works every time,

Take care

Gary

Sabri
(Larkspur)
07/11/2023

I'm ordering some, right now, Gary. I appreciate your taking the time to respond and to include dosage and times taken. I'm optimistic that this might help.

Your kind counsel is appreciated!

Replied by connie
(UT)
06/29/2023

I take potassium gluconate powder for nutrition and regularity. I would try lower doses at first because loose stools may be the result. ( 500 mg. or less )

If you have high potassium from kidney disease, then it's not recommended.

The potassium won't interfere with calcium.

Sabri
(Larkspur)
07/11/2023

Hi, Connie! Thank you so much for your very kind response.

My kidneys are somewhat compromised due to repeated kidney stones from hyperparathyroidism so I should likely be somewhat chary of potassium -- and I appreciate your alert to this very issue. Hoping your kind counsel may be of use to another perusing the website.

Thanks so much for your response!

Replied by Art
(California)
07/12/2023
2325 posts

Sabri,

One that has shown benefit for T2DM is vitamin K2-Menaquinone 7 (K2-MK7) and it also helps calcium to get to the bones.

K2MK7 lowers HbA1c, glucose and insulin level while increasing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and adding more richness to the gut microbiome diversity.

It is available in 100 mcg or 200mcg capsules or soft gels. The 100 mcg size should be sufficient to see a positive change over a 6 month period. This is a gentle method for glucose control.

If you want something that works faster to lower glucose and HbA1c, you can use vanadium in the form of vanadyl sulfate such as this :

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Extension-Vanadyl-Sulfate-Vegetarian/dp/B000X9N58W/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3CS8IK6VSKGWM&keywords=vanadium&qid=1689177106&sprefix=vanadium,aps,142&sr=8-5

It should help within 3 months and vanadium also lowers inflammation and oxidative stress levels which are generally at elevated levels in diabetes.

Art

Sabri
(Larkspur)
07/15/2023

Art,

Thank you so much for this wonderful information. I do take Vitamin K2 with my D3 in the morning -- but I had no idea that it boasted such wonderful properties! I will definitely look into the Vanadyl Sulfate -- it seems to be reasonably priced and likely has positive benefits.

Thank you for dedicating your time and expertise!

Appreciatively, Sabri

Replied by DD
(South Carolina)
11/08/2023

I'm curious about your substitute for Berberine. I too have diabetes, was taking metformin but had rare side effect. Took berberine and had side effects so am searching for something instead of insulin or more prescription meds. My a1c is around 7.1 to 7.2 but with metformin it spiked within the range of 8.0 at times. I am taking cinnamon twice a day now and feel more focused with no side effects but will not see a1c results until next week. I am anxiously looking forward to your recommendation. I will say the cinnamon takes away the food noise I was experiencing always thinking about food. I am extremely overweight and cannot seem to lose. Thank you for your time.

Art
(California)
11/08/2023
2325 posts

DD,

One other you can consider is vitamin K2M7 as it is noted for multiple beneficial effects in diabetes including the ability to lower HbA1c level, reduce the risk for osteoporosis which is at increased risk in diabetics, increase insulin sensitivity while reducing insulin resistance and reducing atherosclerosis risk which diabetics are not only at increased risk for, but also accelerated development of atherosclerosis.

Recently I wrote about six useful and commonly available supplements for diabetes that you may be interested in, here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/six-supplements-for-diabetes-art-solbrig.html

Art

Replied by Dree
(NJ)
11/08/2023

I'm having the same issue. Nothing helps and my meds constipate too. Very awful

Replied by malcolm
(Sydney, Australia)
11/08/2023

Recently a new form of Berberine called Berbervis which is a Berberine Phytosome that allows for greater bioavailability of the beneficial compounds within standard berberine, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits at a lower dose, all in a smaller, easier-to-swallow capsule.

The claim is that it has a 9.6 better bioavailability without the side effects.

Replied by Sherri
(Seattle)
12/09/2023

Hello Dree,

Having my own experiences with these same issues my Naturopath clued me in to "root causes" and remedies: Benfotiamine / thiamine supplementation.

This is a complex issue however, thiamine B1 deficiency (TD) is a common cause for constipation associated with Diabetes. In fact, TD can cause a type of "GI Beriberi" causing chronic nausea, gastroparesis, constipation, dysmotility disorders, abdominal pain, Crohn-like symptoms, SIBO-like symptoms, etc...

Berberine could exacerbate "GI Beriberi" in several ways thus causing constipation (e.g., further depleting thiamine levels, killing parasites/pathogens which can cause constipation).

To remedy TD, Benfotiamine (BF) is a better form of thiamine to take for TD and diabetes. The dose is 600 - 1200 mg/day, divided.

BF is a highly absorbable (levels increase 5X higher in the blood), fat-soluble form of thiamine which is able to cross the blood brain barrier and can penetrate (by a factor of 360%) into the fat layers surrounding every cell in the body, the nerves/myelin sheath, CNS, heart, arterial walls, etc...

"Game changing" advances in diabetic treatment occurred when Thiamine / Benfotiamine was incorporated as the KEY treatment. This is because a plethora of research and clinical practice since the early 1900s indicates Diabetes is considered a thiamin-deficient state.

In fact, almost all of the pathology related to DM is caused by the degree/chronicity of thiamin deficiency: neuropathies, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, CHF, kidney damage, dementias, memory loss, arterial blockage, ... And, these conditions are effectively treated with thiamin/benfotiamine.

The key association is this: thiamin is required for glucose-carbohydrate regulation & metabolism! And, it is required for fatty acid and branched-chain amino acid metabolism, nerve function/protection and mitochondrial function!

In other words, the body can not regulate sugar and insulin levels, oxygen availability nor energy production without B1. This is why of all the B Vitamins, B1 is unique and "quintessential", it has been called "the spark of life" in medical research because "thiamine availability dictates molecular oxygen homeostasis and mitochondrial ATP production"!

Stuart Lindsey, a well known pharmacist, developed a highly effective holistic DM protocol which he used to reverse his own DM symptoms, he notes the neuropathy pain in his feet cleared in a week and others note constipation clearance:

1) Benfotiamine, Source Naturals -Thiamine 150mg tabs (2 tabs 3x/day). Pure Encapsulations is also a good brand & others.
2) Pyridoxal-5-phosphate 50 mg caps (2 caps, 100mg/day)
3) Magnesium Citrate 150 mg caps (2 caps with meals, 3x/ day). Can also add other forms: ionic liquid, glycinate, ....
4) Acetyl-l-carnitine 500 mg caps (2 caps between meals, 1000 mg/day)
5) Vitamin C 1000 mg caps buffered (2-3 caps per day with or between meals)

also recommended by other top practitioners:

6) Alpha Lipoic Acid, 600 mg, x3/day
7) Source Naturals Vanadium with Chromium, 180 Tablets
8) Dietary Fiber (pectin, coconut meat, vegetables, ...)
9) Tocotrienol Vitamin E
10) Exercise and Weight Reduction Program (call my office for details)

11: Diet: "healthy" KETO (ideally combined with intermittent fasting) absolutely required to correct DM! No sugars, very low carb.

12. Nutrients required for thiamin-dependent reactions: Magnesium, Vit C, "healthy" forms of Calcium, D3, B Vitamins (B6, B12, ).

This protocol (and its variations) is used by many other practitioners which have significantly improved or reversed DM symptoms. This information is all over the web, UTube (e.g. Dr Eric Berg) and in research.

The items in BOLD are the "core" treatments.

Thiamine deficiency is an epidemic in the US. The causes for this are many and generally entail chronic exposure to thiamine-reducing agents, examples: typical American high carbohydrate/bad fat diet, many toxins, medications, alcoholism, any illness, significant physical/mental stressors, specific thiamin-depleting foods, high nicotine/coffee/tea/caffeine consumption, malabsorption disorders, and many other causes.

A nutrient can not be patented which is why this information was not widely known.

__________________

References

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, May 28,2012; orthomolecular.org. "Substituting Vitamins and Supplements for Pharmaceuticals
in Type 2 Diabetes", Commentary by Stuart Lindsey, PharmD

Dr. Thornalley's theory of diabetes as an acute thiamine deficiency, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18220605/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8839250/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22116701/

https://jeffreydachmd.com/thiamine-deficiency-and-diabetes/ (LISTS MANY STUDY REFERENCES)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8533683/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8505293/ Page 1 of 15

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18220605/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537204/

https://www.drberg.com/blog/benfotiamine-why-every-diabetic-should-take-it

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/benfotiamine

December 9,2023 http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v18n16.shtml Page 1 of 4

https://www.objectivenutrients.com/insights/thiamine-ttfd-nerve-damage-trigeminal-neuralgia-hearing-loss/

https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/thiamin

Berberine Side Effects
Posted by peter (chicago) on 09/04/2022
 ★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Art,

Berberine is working but wife has diarrhea problem, I gave her a cracker to take with but still has the problem.

Please help!

Replied by Art
(California)
09/05/2022
2325 posts

Peter,

Generally it is recommended to take berberine about a half hour to fifteen minutes before eating, but this can be disruptive to the digestive tract in some people resulting in diarrhea. Have her try taking the berberine immediately after she eats to see if that resolves the issue.If that works, then have her try taking it midway through the meal.

Let me know how it goes.

Art

Replied by Art
(California)
09/05/2022
2325 posts

Peter,

I forgot to mention that I recently wrote an article for EC describing how magnesium, in more bioavailable forms, is also useful for helping to manage type 2 diabetes. I'm just mentioning it in case you missed that article. Here is a link to it :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/magnesium-for-diabetes-art-solbrig.html

Magnesium in several forms is noted for increasing the potential for diarrhea, but the form of Magnesium Glycinate, is not noted for that potential and is considered a very bioavailable form.

Art

Berberine, ALA

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Posted by Rc Hoppy (Winamac, Indiana Usa) on 03/26/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Berberine works well by itself at lowering blood sugar.

My wife has DM2 and along with it, all the other problems. The doctors had her taking several hypertension meds, as well as Metformin and a water pill. I had heard of Berberine in the past, and really wanted to try it with her, but was a little hesitant. On a recent trip to the doctor's office, her bloodwork showed that her kidney function was dropping and the doctor told us to drop the Metformin and water pill because they were too hard on her kidneys. I had tried a combination of Metformin and Berberine before, without good results, so I still had the Berberine on the shelf and ready for action.

I started giving her Berberine twice a day with breakfast and dinner, and also added 300 mg of alpha-lipoic acid at breakfast and bedtime for water retention. Within a very short period of time, we saw such a difference.

Her fasting sugar dropped to 100 + or - 10 and we had to reduce her nightly insulin injection by 10 units to keep it from going too low. (One morning her sugar was down to 60 and very scary.) The ALA also reduced the swelling in her legs and feet. Now her shoes don't look like they are two sizes too small and her ankles no longer have marks from the elastic in her socks.

The combination of the two ( both available on Amazon) has made a real difference in her blood sugar as well as the edema that goes along with hypertension.

Replied by Becca
(Sacramento)
03/28/2021

Hi, what dose and brand do you recommend for the Berberine? Thanks.

Replied by Rc Hoppy
(Winamac, Indiana Usa)
03/29/2021

The bottle says the dose is two capsules, for a total of 1 Gr., or 500 mg. each.

I give my wife 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 with dinner, and the results are better than Metformin, without any of the harmful side effects, such as destroying her kidney function.

Carri
(WA)
03/29/2021

I thought berberine was supposed to be taken on an empty tummy? Perhaps I was mistaken.

Andri
(Florida)
03/31/2021

Can you please tell me the brand name? Thanks.

Paula
(FL)
04/01/2021
★★★★★

My husband and I are successfully using "Amazing Formulas" Berberine and it was touted as one of the best by Consumer Lab. We take it with food two times per day. It is 1,000 mg.

Debbie C.
(AU)
04/21/2021

Paula, are you taking it for Type 2 Diabetes?

Magnesium, Berberine+

1 User Review
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Posted by Art (California) on 08/28/2023 2325 posts
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Two of my friends with diabetes had asked me for supplement ideas to help with their diabetes as both were uncontrolled. I will discuss Harry first. Harry has had diabetes for over 10 years and his doctor had him on two medications, but his condition steadily worsened and his doctor wanted to add another medication. Harry didn't want to add another medication because he was very concerned about side effects and to make matters worse he was constantly constipated which seemed to be making his diabetes worse and also making his life miserable.

I suggested he try magnesium citrate to improve the constipation and also improve his HbA1c level. I also suggested he add berberine at 1500 mg/day in three divided doses of 500 mg each at breakfast lunch and dinner. These two simple additions very significantly improved his constipation (eliminated) and diabetes to the best it has been in the past 10 years. I told Harry that if he wanted to do better in terms of his diabetes I could make another suggestion or two, but he said he was really happy with his current improvements and just wanted to enjoy the moment. He said that maybe in a while, he might consider the other options though. I told him that was fine and to call me when he was ready to do more. I also suggested that he slowly switch over to magnesium glycinate or alternate it with the magnesium citrate to avoid becoming dependent on the magnesium citrate to stay regular. His doctor felt the constipation was related to the worsened diabetes, so the improved diabetes control may, by itself relieve the constipation. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal issues in diabetics.

My other friend, Susie, has had diabetes for about as long as Harry, but her diabetes was not as bad as Harry's, but still uncontrolled. I suggested she add berberine, vitamin K2M7 and vitamin D. This combination brought her HbA1c into the normal range for the first time in at least 10 years. Her A1c was 7.2 at her last doctor visit and is now 5.6 at her latest visit. Susie is really happy with these results and told me that she will continue the three supplements indefinitely and hopes to see other health benefits associated with the use of these three supplements. This supplement trio will also help to stave off osteoporosis.

I just wanted to share these results, using common supplements to help control diabetes with the EC community.

Art

Replied by EB
(England)
08/29/2023

Why do diabetics get constipation?

Art
(California)
08/29/2023
2325 posts

EB,

The constipation in diabetics is thought to be caused by nerve damage in the intestinal tract. Diabetes is noted for also causing nerve damage resulting in peripheral neuropathy. Maintaining the glucose level closer to normal range is thought to help prevent this issue. Here is an article link that explains the interplay between constipation and diabetes :

https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-and-constipation-6386169#:~:text=Constipation can be a common, diet, exercise, and medications.

Here is a relevant quote :

' Constipation can be a common sign of diabetes. It's often due to diabetes-related nerve damage in the digestive tract that stems from unmanaged blood sugar levels. Other factors contributing to constipation include diet, exercise, and medications. '

Just another negative result of glucose levels that remain above the normal range.

Art

EB
(England)
08/30/2023

I am wondering why I have never heard of this side effect of diabetes ever?!

Art
(California)
08/30/2023
2325 posts

EB,

Nerve damage is one significant cause of constipation and about 50% of diabetics experience nerve damage as discussed here :

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-nerve-damage.html#:~:text=Half of all people with, your target levels as possible.

Here are two very relevant quotes :

' Half of all people with diabetes have nerve damage. The good news is that you can help prevent or delay it by keeping your blood sugar as close to your target levels as possible. When you do this, you'll also have more energy, and you'll feel better! '

' Autonomic nerve damage affects your heart, bladder, stomach, intestines, sex organs, or eyes. Symptoms may include:

  • Bladder or bowel problems that may cause urine leakage, constipation, or diarrhea.
  • Nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
  • Changes in how your eyes adjust from light to dark.
  • Decreased sexual response, including trouble getting an erection in men or vaginal dryness in women. '

Constipation in diabetics is very common and 11% up to 60% of people with diabetes have constipation as discussed here :

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326194#what-is-the-link

Here is a relevant quote :

' In a 2017 articleTrusted Source exploring the link between diabetes and constipation, the authors note that some studies suggest that up to 60% of people with diabetes report experiencing constipation. '

' However, they point out that other researchers estimate that this condition affects 11–56% of people with diabetes. '

' The authors conclude that people living with type 1 or 2 diabetes have a higher risk than the general population of developing chronic constipation. '

This compared to the normal rate of constipation in the general public of 2% to 26% as discussed here :

https://uclacns.org/patients/disease-information/chronic-constipation/#:~:text=Symptoms of constipation include having, ranges from 2-28%.

Here is a relevant quote :

' Symptoms of constipation include having less than 3 bowel movements per week, straining, hard stools, incomplete evacuation and inability to pass stool. Patients with chronic constipation do not have diarrhea unrelated to using laxatives. The prevalence of chronic constipation ranges from 2-28%. Up to 63 million people in North America meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic constipation. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that the prevalence of constipation increases with age and is more common in women than men. '

Art

EB
(England)
08/31/2023

Is berberine completely natural? Where do I get it and what should I know about it's use?

Art
(California)
09/01/2023
2325 posts

EB,

Berberine is in many plants, but it seems higher in the plant Coptis Chinensis and I believe most manufacturers products are derived from it. So yes, berberine is completely natural by itself. Almost all online US supplement suppliers carry berberine. Here is an example :

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=berberine&crid=2QLZ5LTBSRANE&sprefix=berberine,aps,150&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Art

Replied by EB
(England)
09/07/2023

"I also suggested that he slowly switch over to magnesium glycinate or alternate it with the magnesium citrate to avoid becoming dependent on the magnesium citrate to stay regular."

Art, can you clarify this further, at what stage would you become dependant on magnesium citrate? What is different about glycinate?

Replied by Art
(California)
09/07/2023
2325 posts

EB,

Various types of magnesium can loosen things up in the elimination department. Magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are quite good at that, but magnesium citrate is most noted for that ability while also being well absorbed whereas magnesium oxide is poorly absorbed. So in the case of diabetes the better absorption of magnesium citrate is important for the diabetes while helping to keep things moving.

At the same time, you don't want your digestive system to become dependent on that aspect of magnesium citrate just to keep regular bowel movements so it is helpful to slowly switch or alternate to a well absorbed form of magnesium that has very minimal effect on constipation and this is what magnesium glycinate can do. The more absorbable forms of magnesium can help promote nerve regeneration and nerve damage is believed to be a major reason for constipation, diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. Ideally it will be good to use magnesium glycinate only, with no more magnesium citrate needed.

Bringing the glucose level into a healthy range can stop or significantly reduce the damage to the nerves and then the magnesium can help repair the damaged nerves. Berberine can also help repair the damaged nerves while aiding in bringing the glucose level into a more healthy range.

There are many supplements that can help bring glucose levels into a healthy range, reduce oxidative stress and the resulting damage from it, but magnesium glycinate and berberine are two very good ones and imo, a good place to start and if the combo is not quite enough you can always use any of the others to improve the glucose level further. Letting those two, along with vitamin D, work for a few months will give a better idea if more supplements are needed or not. Vitamin D also offers these two benefits, but not as potently as berberine.

Art

Replied by EB
(England)
09/10/2023

Thank you so much. You are encouraging me as that is the first time I have heard someone saying that you can repair the nerve damage!

Replied by EB
(England)
09/10/2023

Art - do you think it's better for me as a diabetic to eat my home made white spelt rolls which do not contain any sugar (a bit of honey) or oil, or to buy wholemeal wheat bread which I imagine does have some sugar and oil?

Replied by Art
(California)
09/10/2023

EB,

It is not just magnesium that has shown the ability to help nerve damage. Both Berberine and Melatonin have shown the ability to help nerve regeneration as outlined here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6236264/#:~:text=Nerve regeneration plays an important role in the functional recovery, injury (14–16).

And here :

https://www.painscale.com/article/melatonin-supplementation-as-a-treatment-option-for-neuropathy#:~:text=Melatonin may help with nerve, to touch and temperature changes.

There are others, but those are two common ones.

I also wanted to let you know that my friend Harry who I mentioned at the beginning of this thread came by Thursday and told me he is now ready to go ahead and try one more supplement to help normalize his blood glucose level. So I suggested Vitamin K2M7 to him which he ordered and said he will try as soon as he gets it. K2 seems to work well with vitamin D and helps to gain better control of glucose levels as well as improve insulin sensitivity as discussed here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10163743/

Here is a relevant quote :

' Our gut-derived findings provide evidence for a regulatory role of vitamin K2 on glycemic homeostasis, which may further facilitate the clinical implementation of vitamin K2 intervention for diabetes management. '

EB, there are many supplements to help improve glucose control in diabetes and when you realize that it is the uncontrolled glucose levels in diabetes that are damaging your eyes, heart, beta cells, nerves, kidneys etc., you realize the importance of getting your glucose level closer to or in the healthy range is a very worthwhile effort and supplements can help get you there with minimal to no side effects.

Art

Research Updates

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Posted by Art (California) on 12/28/2021 2325 posts
 ★★★★★

I wanted to update my above article because a new meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials just came out that adds further confirmation to the value of Berberine for diabetes.

This new meta-analysis (MA) of RCTs( December 2021) of the use of Berberine for T2DM is very enlightening and clearly illustrates that Berberine is a very good adjunctive treatment or possibly even a primary treatment option for T2DM :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8696197/

Here is an important quote from the full MA :

>>> ' Forty-six trials were assessed. Analysis of berberine applied alone or with standard diabetic therapies versus the control group revealed significant reductions in HbA1c (MD = −0.73; 95% CI (−0.97, −0.51)), FPG (MD = −0.86,95% CI (−1.10, −0.62)), and 2hPG (MD = −1.26,95% CI (−1.64, −0.89)). Improved insulin resistance was assessed by lowering FINS (MD = −2.05,95% CI (−2.62, −1.48)), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.71,95% CI (−1.03, −0.39)), and BMI (MD = −1.07,95% CI (−1.76, −0.37)). Lipid metabolisms were also ameliorated via the reduction of TG (MD = −0.5,95% CI (−0.61, −0.39)), TC (MD = 0.64,95% CI (−0.78, −0.49)), and LDL (MD = 0.86,95% CI (−1.06, −0.65)) and the upregulation of HDL (MD = 0.17,95% CI (0.09,0.25)). Additionally, berberine improved the inflammation factor. ' <<<

This multitude of positive health enhancements including reduction of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and Tnf-alpha as well as positive heart and kidney effects accompanied by a very good safety profile make Berberine a "must consider" option for people with diabetes. The added lipid improving effects are just the icing on the cake.

It seems likely that pulsing of Berberine dosing may prolong the effectiveness of Berberine over the longer term, helping to prevent the body from becoming resistant to its effectiveness.

Art

Replied by Betty
(CA)
12/29/2021
★★★★★

Hi Art,

My brother is T2D borderline T1 now. I have him taking Berberine complex by Swanson, VitD3+K2+A, ALA, Iodine. And a couple more supplements I can't think of at the moment. He has been on them for one month. Sugar has gone from 560 to 220 so far. He is hoping to get off some of the meds.

His pancreas function is at 30%. What do you recommend, if anything?

Berberine is the best!

Art
(California)
12/29/2021
2325 posts

Hi Betty,

I am currently working with a friend who has type 1 diabetes. Blood sugar levels were out of control and hba1c was at a new all time high. This can only mean damage elsewhere in the body as well as beta cell damage. That is a cycle that has to be broken as quickly as possible.

I mentioned about Xylitol, straight Berberine and I.F. and the glucose numbers have come down dramatically to almost normal in about a month. A blood panel is scheduled for early February so we will get to see how the new levels are doing soon. My friend is very happy as the current glucose readings haven't been seen for years.

Art

Art
(California)
12/29/2021
2325 posts

Betty,

I forgot to discuss your brother.

The berberine complex is fine, but you probably want to make sure you use additional straight berberine to make sure he is getting equivalent dosing to equal effective dosing used in studies.

Melatonin is protective of the pancreas and at just 30% function in conjunction with the elevated inflammatory mediators associated with diabetes 1 & 2, melatonin is worth discussing with his doctor.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15683461/

High Dose Melatonin (HDM) is beneficial for diabetes itself via improvement in many of the markers and parameters associated with people with diabetes. Here is a study that illustrates the rapid effects of HDM of 250 mg/day in just 8 weeks :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7995760/

Intermittent Fasting (IF) should also be quite useful, but it may be worth waiting until his pancreas function has improved a bit. This combo of supplements is likely to improve insulin resistance which is going to be very important in the long term.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6194375/

Another good adjunctive will be fermented foods and I highly recommend that you read P. Raghavan's posts on that subject on Earth Clinic here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/kefir-for-type-ii-diabetes.html

There are many others, but these are relatively safe and once your brother has better pancreatic function, you can add some of those such as chromium and vanadium among many others.

As always, I am not a doctor, I am not giving medical advice, I am not giving dosing advice, I am giving ideas for your brother to discuss with his doctor to see if they can be helpful in improving his diabetes and to make sure these are compatible with all that your brother is taking, especially with the glucose numbers you mentioned as even the improved numbers are still very high.

Art

Betty
(CA)
12/30/2021

I look forward to the update on your friend.

I will add xylitol to my brother's regime.

He told me last mnth what his A1C was and I want to say it was in the 30's maybe. He said he was almost in a coma and had to go to the hospital.

Thank you!

Betty
(CA)
12/30/2021

Thank you, Art!

Kefir is now on the list. I have not heard of it before now.

He also takes NAC and melatonin (20mg B.I.D) but need to up the melatonin dose for sure.

We will also add straight Berberine and stay on the complex to since it seems to be working also.

I really do thank you for all your knowledge shared!

Art
(California)
12/31/2021
2325 posts

Wow, Betty, that number is really high!

Normal range is 4% to 5.6% and he is 30 something!

He is lucky to have you to help guide him back to a healthier path!

Art

Art
(California)
12/31/2021
2325 posts

Betty,

He can use the xylitol in place of sugar such as in coffee or tea. It comes closest to the taste of sugar, has a much lower glycemic index and acts as a prebiotic in the gut to help increase short chain fatty acids such acetate, butyrate and propionate. This will help improve the gut microbiome which is needed because gut dysbiosis goes hand in hand with diabetes.

As his blood glucose level comes down, his A1C will come down also and then he can add in IF as it is also very useful in lowering the glucose level as well as his elevated inflammatory levels and this will improve insulin sensitivity and relieve the burden being placed on his pancreas and beta cells to produce insulin.

If you notice, in that high dose melatonin study, melatonin improved many parameters toward heart protection and some of the parameters that lead to diabetes itself. These are important for the long term health of your brother as diabetes is very hard on the heart and kidneys, which melatonin in studies has shown the ability to help protect both. In general, diabetes increases oxidative stress levels in many of the bodies organs including eyes and skin which melatonin offers protective benefits to all of them in varying degrees.

Art

Jgny
(Ny)
12/31/2021

Please make sure if he has pets to keep them away from Xylitol! It can kill them.

Betty
(CA)
12/31/2021

Thank you very much, Art! He was in a dangerous critical position but came thru is why I got involved. I had no idea how bad it was, he kept it from us, smh.

He finally believes me that SOC will probably kill him if he doesn't advocate for himself and find high potency supplements to help. Proof is in the bloodwork.

I will find out what his A1C is as of now. I forgot to ask last time I talked with him.

Betty
(CA)
01/01/2022

Ah yes, I did read that. He has no animals.

Thank you for the information.


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