In recent years we have seen several studies showing that supplementation with the natural health product known as Berberine can help to lower blood sugar (glucose) and hemoglobin A1c levels in type 2 diabetics. For example, a study published in 2025 in the journal Diabetes and Endocrinology involved 113 type 2 diabetic patients, who underwent 8 weeks of diet and exercise control. After 8-weeks half the group were administered a Berberine supplement (500 mg twice daily or 1,000 mg once daily) and the other half received a placebo, in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. As we saw with previous studies, the group that received the Berberine supplement showed a significant reduction in both glucose and HbA1c levels, lowering glucose levels by 13-18 mg/dl and reducing HbA1c to under 7.0 in patients who were previously above 7.0.  The Berberine group also showed a reduction in the bad cholesterol (LDL). There were no significant side effects or negative effects on liver function in the Berberine treated group. Studies over the years have shown that Berberine supplementation works much the same way as the diabetic drug Metformin.

Berberine is shown to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity to help clear sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream and it suppress the secretion of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides through improved liver regulatory function. In fact, studies show that Berberine supplementation lowers important blood markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF-alpha), which are linked to Berberines ability to improve blood sugar regulation (insulin sensitivity).As one research paper concluded, “The combined application of berberine in patients with metabolic syndrome can effectively regulate blood glucose and blood lipid of patients, alleviate insulin resistance and reduce the level of inflammatory response in the body.” (Exp Ther Med 2019).

What is Berberine?
Berberine is an alkaloid compound found naturally in many plants, including a group of shrubs called Berberis. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese Medicine. In recent years its ability to improve the management of type 2 diabetes has been shown in a number of impressive studies.In my view type 2 diabetics and prediabetics should consider taking 1,000 mg of Berberine daily to help improve their overall management.  I have included the references on Berberine in the text below.

References:

Berberine ursodeoxycholate reduces A1c in type 2 diabetes. Medscape. March 10, 2025. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/berberine-ursodeoxycholate-reduces-a1c-type-2-diabetes-2025a10005sj

Ji L et al. Berberine ursodeoxycholate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A randomized clinical trial. J Diabetes and Endocrinology. March 3, 2025. Berberine Ursodeoxycholate for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Diabetes and Endocrinology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

Cao C and Su M. Effects of berberine on glucose-lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2019;17(4): 3009-3014. Effects of berberine on glucose-lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome – PMC

Yin J et al. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metabolism. 2008;57(5):712-717. Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes – PMC

Nazari A et al. The effect of berberine supplementation on glycemic control and inflammatory biomarkers in metabolic disorders: An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Therapeutics. 2024;46(2): e64-e72. The Effect of Berberine Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Metabolic Disorders: An Umbrella Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials – ScienceDirect

Firouzi S et al. Barberry in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome: Possible mechanisms of action. Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity. 2018:11:699-705. Barberry in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome: possible mechanisms of action – PubMed

 
Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino