I Took Berberine for 14 Days - It lowered my blood sugars BUT…

[@captainskippy6622]

In June 2023 I was diagnosed with type two diabetes. At that time, I was 64 years old and probably about 50 pounds overweight. My regular doctor did prescribe metforman. And let me interject here that my regular doctor as well as another Doctor Who is holistic are both very good friends. My wife has also been a nurse for 50 years. We have seen metforeman wreck both lives and kidneys over the years. Once you get on met Forman eventually you have kidney damage and eventually you are on dialysis. I chose to go with Bernadine. Now, one year later, I have my diabetes completely under control. I have lost 50 pounds and my A1c was 5.7 at the last check. My regular doctor was amazed. Between the good Lord and my wife and Burbine life is good.

[@dan-qe1tb]

Most of the benefits were probably just from your weight loss and not berberine. How did you come to be 50 pounds overweight? Had you gotten help about this before? Why were you seeing holistic doctors about life threatening health conditions? The good lord, isn't a doctor. Neither is your wife. Not listening to your endocrinologist isn't something to be bragging about. There are drugs other than metformin in the event that the claim about kidney damage really is true (and it's not). Had you asked about them?

[@markrush5013]

weight loss ,not berberine, is the reason your a1c is better. getting rid of fat fixes lots of maladies.

[@Leelovesgeorgie]

@@captainskippy6622 how much berberine do you take?

[@zanikando]

what is wrong with you people he got fix his problem and all drugs against diabetes is bad for kidney if it is not natural congrats man

[@zanikando]

wich berberine do u use?

[@anitaprzygocki9350]

After eating keto for a few years my A1c finally went down from 5.9 to 5.3 after taking berberine for three months. So it worked for me.

[@tigressnsnow]

If Berberine worked it would’ve have taken 3 months. It has a bioavailable issue. Barely 5% is absorbed.

[@anitaprzygocki9350]

@@tigressnsnow I took it 6 months before my check up.

[@Jack-hy1zq]

​​@@tigressnsnow The OP said it took 3 months 👆

[@sheila7814]

What happened with you cholesterol …. If you don’t mind sharing?

[@Obligate.Carnivore]

@@sheila7814 I know it’ll go up on carnivore but triglycerides will go down.

[@Roy-ur6vr]

Berberine helps a lot of people, and they have zero side affects. Me included.

[@GoingGreenMom]

I "had zero side affects" until I checked my micronutrient levels after 18 months. My boron and vanadium have tanked, many other micronutrients used to process blood glucose were also low. I'm not saying it doesn't help, but just stay aware and if you start noticing issues with electrolytes and such, get checked. My electrolytes in reality were fine, but my bodies ability to use them was way down because it needs boron to do that.

[@steverussell9852]

My name is Steve Russell, and I am a Type II diabetic. Before giving up on Berberine, you may want to try Dihydroberberine (Often marketed as Superberberine). It absorbs through the stomach lining 5x faster than regular Berberine. Once in the bloodstream it gets converted into regular Berberine. I have been using it in conjunction with insulin to control blood sugar and it’s doing quite well. I’ve used it for 18 months and it has lowered my A1-C from 7.6 to 5.9. I have lowered my long term insulin by 25% and short term by 40%. I also no longer take glyburide. I l have had very little bloating, constipation, or diarrhea with its use. I get my Super Berberine from Sugar MD’s and it is a once daily capsule of 250 mg dihydroberberine with 200 mg concentrated Celon Cinnamon extract. There are KZbin reviews of this product by Dr. Ahmet Ergin who also happens to be my Endocrinologist. Very truly yours, Steve Russell

[@NATURENUTT7]

Hi there. I fist started out with the brand by Doctors Preferred, regular berberine but that didn’t do well with my sensitive tummy. I then switched to their other option which is GlucoGold with Berberine. It says it has chromium, Berberine Hydrochloride, cinnamon extract and BanabaLeaf Extract (supposed to support glucose levels but when I looked it up it also said it has anti-diarrheal support. So I switched and I haven’t had any of the tummy gastric issues. I am off my basil and fast acting insulin now along with change in diet since end of March. This week my dexcom is reading 10 higher than it has been since March. This is my long winded way of asking if the Dihdroberberine would be better for me?

[@sheila7814]

Do you take it at a particular time of the day?

[@steverussell9852]

I take it morning’s with breakfast.

[@sheila7814]

@@steverussell9852 Thank you for your answer.

[@Obligate.Carnivore]

How much carbs and sugars are you eating? And do you have 2 bottles of insulin? A long and a short? I was using 70/30 and I guess no one ever told me jack crap about diabetes! I had to stumble through it and learn on my own. I’m grateful that my mentality leans towards learning that way, I just hadn’t put that part of my own psychology together yet, hell I’m still working on that crap anyways, I believe we all are. That’s what is meant by you’re always learning. It’s not learning an outside thing, it’s learning who we are and what can we offer the world/humanity! I just hate that I am figuring it out now at my age and squandered some of it on crap like repairing surfboards or tattooing or HVAC and marine mechanics wood turning rock climbing spelunking and all the other things that are wasted on mr now! If I had been treated properly and pushed into STEMS who knows what I might have done. Oh crap, sorry, was thinking out loud again and voice to text caught it.

[@kimberquirky]

I tried it to lower my cholesterol. I was waiting for the bad side effects I kept hearing of, but I haven’t experienced a single one! Feel lucky. Going to the get bloodwork done in another two months to compare.

[@KyleFonrose]

I'm here for the update

[@semerick1122]

It might have been the brand that was bothering you not the supplement itself. I use Thorne. They use no additives or fillers. Hope this helps!

[@solounaproduccion4276]

I’m glad you mentioned that it “didn’t work for you “ because I know 10 people who changed metformin for berberine and they been staying out of insulin for many years. I think is very important to consider the lab that produce the berberine.

[@jackduras6238]

yep some brands had ZERO berberine

[@p.a.93]

Her brand only contains 16% of stated berberin kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWPSfYqCqNR8i9ksi=DPbKDjYUlpRpI5I1

[@Obligate.Carnivore]

I have been T2Diabetes for 12 years and on insulin 2x day. My last A1C-5.5 February 22nd I have lost 65 pounds and eaten only meats eggs butter since January. Yeah I feel fantastic! Stay safe

[@stevenhowe6677]

Happy to hear that you feel fantastic, much respect

[@dorothyknox2218]

I was diagnose with type 2 diabetes about 6 years ago was on metformin it made me so sick i stop taking it i start drinking cinnamon tea every day my blood sugar was down to 6 and the doctor tells me until this day my blood sugar is good told my sister in law about the tea her doctor told her that her blood sugar was good in a low stage

[@Marinas287]

@@dorothyknox2218what is the name of the tea ? I wanna try it

[@dan-qe1tb]

Doing without fruits and vegetables and fiber is hurting your health. I doubt any of those things were making you fat or elevating your blood sugar. Did you used to eat a lot of fries, pizzas, cookies, cakes, chips, etc? Don't just think about short term weight loss.

[@lovestreaming]

Dehydroberberine might be easier on your stomach than regular berberine. I started taking dehydroberberine 4 days ago and there are absolutely no side effects so far 🙂

[@healthyinformation]

This is the form we use at our clinic

[@mpoharper]

It seems to work better for me

[@healthyinformation]

@@mpoharper and with no side effects right

[@mpoharper]

@@healthyinformation right but I never had trouble with regular Berberine either.

[@healthyinformation]

@@mpoharper well there you go.

[@Marjolein936]

I was diagnosed with t1d in december. Its been a rollercoaster figuring things out, but your videos have really been helping me out. Thank you so so so much. Very interested in berberine to increase my insulin sensitivity to improve my insuline-carb-ratio.

[@dlg5485]

Not all berberine supplements are equal. I tried 2 that didn't agree with me before finally trying the one I am now taking for over a year. It takes at least 10 days for the body to adapt to any new supplement, especially berberine, because it has a significant (positive) impact on gut bacteria and this takes time to settle. Also, the quality of the supplement is important. I first tried less costly supplement that were reviewed well, but they weren't great. I finally decided to spend the money for a high quality 3rd party tested supplement from Douglas Labs and I immediately could tell the difference.

[@Marinas287]

@dlg5485 what brand did you get ?

[@dlg5485]

@@Marinas287 That information is already in my original comment.

[@slugo915]

Ty I'll stick with my diet which is working. Type 2 and still in remission.

[@grainiac7824]

I tried strict diet and exercise for a long time -- lost 40+ pounds and got BMI back down to 21 but A1C was only going down 0.1 every 4 months. After berg it was much faster and it's because I had inflammatory markers that make it harder to do with just the low carb/ exercise lifestyle.

[@bcrichaxeman]

I am a type 2 in remission via the ADA's 1st listed definition ("Remission should be defined as a return of HbA1c to less than 6.5% that occurs spontaneously or following an intervention and that persists for at least three months in the absence of usual glucose-lowering pharmacotherapy". Mine a1c has ran in the 5s since stopping Metformin in Jan. 2023) via eating lower carb/exercise and use Berberine regularly. I have actually never heard it called nature's Ozempic, but always the natural version of Metformin (when I was on Metformin, I also used Berberine for a time). I have been able to tolerate it well. Sorry it wasn't well tolerated by you. Thanks for your video on this.

[@Obligate.Carnivore]

Ummm, I wouldn’t go by a damn thing the ADA says!! They are not to be trusted! To be in reversed of diabetes is below A1C-5.7 I believe off top of my head. 5.7 makes you at beginning of prediabetic not sure the cut off for actual diabetes but I don’t think anyone is in remission until they’re out of the woods, not just in a clearing, so to speak. I was on 2 insulin shots a day for a dozen years or more. Almost, well not almost, I was blind and sugar off the scales!! Over 500 or 600!! Blistering leg with terrible ulcers! If I did what the ADA recommended and followed their advice I would still be diabetic! Real stuff here, I promise you. Ask Dr. Ken Berry if you should do what they say. Please do, you’ll see that I’m not lying to you.

[@paulv69]

Thanks for this. Your side effects from berberine are similar to those with metformin. i'm a critical care nurse with certification on reversing disease process through diet. i'm type 2 DM. As i'm sure you know (but others may not), type one diabetes (DM1) means ones pancreas beta cells do not produce the insulin the body needs to use glucose (sugar). Type two diabetes (DM2 is probably better called insulin resistance. It's caused by fat. That's not saying "being fat." One can exercise regularly and have a 'normal' BMI and have i too much fat in our diet resulting in insulin resistance. A few examples, fat builds up on the liver and effects the livers glucose storage/regulation, fat builds up on the pancreas and effects insulin production, fat builds up in the intracellular fluid of muscle cells and causes insulin resistance. When we eat sugar, that triggers the pancreas to release insulin which then takes blood sugar by the hand and knocks on the door of our muscle cells. In muscle, GLUT 4 lives at the center of the cell and when insulin knocks on the door, GLUT4 is tasked with opening the door to let glucose in so the cell can make sugar into energy. To much intracellular fat in the muscle cell produces toxins that interfere with GLUT4 opening that door. Reducing fat, reduces the fat in those areas and the body often regains its ability to process glucose (i.e., reverse insulin resistance). DM1 sufferers often also have insulin resistance and can greatly improve their insulin dependence by reversing insulin resistance. i've reversed DM2 in one month from an a1c of 7 to 5.9 in 30 days by reducing my fat intake to under 20grams a day... which was pretty much a whole food plant based diet with a once a week meat cheat day lol. i didn't maintain that (i like meat and cheese), and went back up to an average of 7.2 A1c. When it comes to supplements, i will only do studied, evidence based stuff. Last year i tried ginger supplement. In one month, my A1c went from 7.2 to 6.8... i was floored, but still skeptical, but kept going. At month 2, i was at 6.1. Wow. So figured i'd found a panacea. At month 3? i was back up to 7. i tried berberine too, for two months and didn't see a difference in my A1c, so i stopped since berberine isn't really a whole food and i'm a believer in whole foods as a health approach. For the last couple of weeks i've added Amla (Indian goose berry) to my ginger regimen, haven't been taking it long enough to test my a1c yet. Honestly though... i know what i have to do to reverse this, eat a whole food plant based diet (WFPBD) and stop eating the animal fat that causes the insulin resistance... which also will reverse atherosclerosis, and is the only diet with evidence backing it up to do so. It's the only thing that's truly worked for me, i just always fall off the wagon.

[@grumpyinbrooklyn6347]

Visceral fat can EASILY build up on on many people while low fat High carb diets, specially if a lot of fructose is consumed. Even developing fatty liver. And there are lots of people that reversed their fatty liver literally by going high fat diets, so there's that. Long term energy intake excess is likely going to be a problem, for many people one way will be will be faster than the other. But the SAD is basically both high carb and high fat, and that's the worst combo of all! As for me, it's most definitely the carbs! The difference is obvious and undeniable. It also caused reactive hypoglycemia when I was producing more insulin! Others might have different experiences.

[@1983maya]

@paulv69, since you mentioned Indian gooseberry, I wondered have you tried eating soaked fenugreek seeds on empty stomach. But if you are the type to skip breakfast I would say you can eat these soaked fenugreek seeds after lunch instead. Overnight in about 100 ml of water, soak half teaspoon of dry fenugreek seeds, after soaking overnight they fill up and become soft and they are easily chewable and not bitter at all. Drink the water and chew the seeds next day. Do this 4 times a week I.e eat it 4 days in every 7 days, you should see a change in your hba1c if you are consistent with it for a month or two. Warning: Do not eat these soaked seeds and stay hungry for long time, because they bring down blood sugars pronto.

[@dan-qe1tb]

It doesn't surprise me that all of these unqualified wellness influencers are still pushing berberine as a wonder supplement so long after Dr. Brad Stanfield's fact based video. It also doesn't surprise me that there's a lot of faulty anecdotes, confounding factor and inadvertent misinformation in the responses. So, yours was better than most. I do feel that you had left out explaining the different types of animal fats, and in particular. Poultry and fish are healthier than red meat. The federal recommended limit for saturated fats is under 20 grams. Not the recommended amount for all fats. Cheese and yogurt contain saturated fat, but are healthier than beef or pork because they're fermented foods. The guideline is too simplistic not only because of that but because it doesn't differentiate between the different types of saturated fats: there's short chain and long chain ones. People who don't know any better, could go on keto or carnivore diets and make their blood sugar worse by replacing carbs with red meat believing the misinformation on here, that this is a superfood. I hope you have found Dr. Nicola Guess on here by now. She had acknowledged that there's people on here causing harm by saying, elevated blood sugar is about "eating too many carbs" and so the best way to treat it is to, "avoid carbs by going on a keto or a carnivore diet". Diabetes is a complex, multifactorial condition. It's possible to have elevated blood sugar without insulin resistance. Many of the overweight affected people do have insulin resistance, but there's a few prediabetics who aren't overweight who don't. My insulin resistance is going to be tested for the first time tomorrow and my inflammatory markers (most GPs wouldn't touch those types of tests). I would like to point out that the BMI is a poor measure of obesity because lean people who lift weights tend to get classified as fatter than they are. My BMI is 25. An athlete and a couch potato can both have that number but they have completely different builds. I had lost so much weight that my ribs show. My new endocrinologist had wisely taken my weight and waist circumference. Back to the original topic I'm now off of berberine. I believe Brad Stanfield over most of the others.

[@KaraPorter-ix8hg]

I’m always thirsty, really tired, and pee a lot. I’m pretty worried not going to lie. Getting a blood test asap!

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Can I recommend trying astaxanthin? I have a friend who almost completely eliminated insulin with astaxanthin. Yes, he's type 1 as well.

[@BG-eh6be]

How long it took for your friend to almost completely eliminated insulin astaxanthin?

[@bobleblanc8082]

You don't take it all at once. You take one pill with each meal. Two or three times a day.

[@healthyinformation]

Right

[@amiracharm9810]

I have been taking Berberine for 3 months now and my A1c went from 5,8 to 5,5

[@hoboonwheels9289]

I started Berberine yesterday 500 twice a day. So far no side effects. I may try without food tomorrow as its supposed to have best results on empty stomach.

[@enhancejavahub7692]

Which brand r u using?

[@gh4121-b5n]

Dihydro Berberine is easier on your system because it gets into your gut quicker/easier than Berberine itself. It ends up you need less Dihydro Berberine .

[@henniekolkman1421]

Welk merk heb jij gekocht… which brand did you buy

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

I am glad that I don't have a problem with berberine. It really helps. I take 600 mg late morning. I have heard of studies comparing berberine to Metformin and I like to avoid all drugs as much as possible. I am type 2.

[@tlump5689]

I'm pre-diabetic and my doctor just recommend this for me. I don't take any medication. My A1c is 6.0. Thanks for sharing.

[@shane6226]

Hows things going now on your Berberine

[@tlump5689]

@shane6226 I will be getting my test in a couple of weeks. I don't have any problems with taking it. I lost a little weight, but I'm walking more and trying to eat better, too. I'm hoping for a lower A1c.

[@shane6226]

@@tlump5689 Best of luck. Let me know how it goes. A little inspiration goes a long way

[@theone9672]

@@tlump5689 what brand do you use for berberine ?

[@gsssprocket]

goooo carnivore!!! reverse diabetes over time

[@ChristyChristoffersen]

I take 500 mgs twice a day. You can take it three times. I cannot tolerate metformin but this works for me. It lowered my cholesterol levels. I can’t take any statins either so this stuff literally saves my life!

[@timlist4173]

I'm T2D MDI Humalog and Lantus (generic) and now taking Ozempic. I have not tried Berberine, but can attest that Ozempic 1.0mg does cause some constipation for me, sometimes quite severe and painful. Rybelsus 7mg, also did this. I have decided to take a daily supplement of Psyllium Husk (Metamucil) 1 tsp in 8oz of water with breakfast and that has helped tremendously. Metformin was tried years ago and caused intense bowel cramping with bouts of constipation and Diarrhea. neither of which is acceptable since I also have Ulcerative Colitis. Almost dropped the semaglutide (Ozempic), still might.

[@janeknight3597]

Berberine is a bitter herb. Metformin (purified lilac leaves) also a bitter herb. The side effects are similar☹️

[@musicofnote1]

When I started taking Berberine HCL, I was still taking Metformin. the literature says you can combine the two. My stomach however didn't read the literature. So I switched out Berberine for Myo-/D-Chiro-Inositol and my stomach was better, but not perfect. Then I proposed to my GP, that I stop Metformin altogether for 3 months and then look at a large blood panel. As soon as I stopped Metformin, my stomach settled down and since then I haven't had any stomach problems. Not even when I added in one Dihydroberberine before every meal. My blood sugar right before lunch has now decreased from 8 to 6.2 - 6.8.

[@musicofnote1]

BTW - the dihydroberberine I take also has ceylon cinnamon in it. Ceylon cinnamon has also been shown to lower blood sugar.

[@healthyinformation]

Congratulations. Keep up the good work

[@porkchop8542]

Unfortunately, I cannot work with my medical team for this if it’s not a chemical and a prescription they won’t recommend it. They can’t make any money off of it.

[@simplerway489]

She seemed to start off trashing Berberine and continue. It helps me, also reduce my craving for food.

[@enabl3r]

The people that call is “nature’s Ozempic” don’t know what they’re talking about so run the other direction. Yes, it’s more similar to Metformin, but they’re not identical. The only reason it’s even compared with Ozempic is because it could aid in weight loss which the studies shows as being very marginal.

[@Cookie7294]

I'm pre-diabetic and berberine brought my a1c from 6.3 to 5.7. There was a bit of upset tummy in the beginning, however that passed. I was taking 1000 mg daily and reduced to 500mg in the morning. I also take breaks from it because I haven't seen studies for long term use. There was no significant weight loss.

[@albertwong6945]

Same to me, I am prediabetic, took 1000mg before sleep...after 13 months, my blood result showed that my cholesterol also dropped beside controling the blood sugar

[@healthyinformation]

Yes we have found that starting out slow to let the body adjust is best. How are you doing now?

[@Cookie7294]

@@healthyinformation a1c was in normal range as of last blood test. Thanks for asking.

[@albertwong6945]

@@Cookie7294 but it is difficult to let the A1c to drop further, my case the lower it drop to 5.7 then bounced back to 5.9 at 2 months ago

[@Cookie7294]

@@albertwong6945 For sure I have a hard time implementing lifestyle changes (more exercise, less starchy carbs), and realize this would help my numbers.

[@jamesmcmahonii8433]

Berberine worked for me in 48 hours. I thought my Stelo was broken because I went down into the 50s. Food would bring me to the low 80s, and I'd drop back to under 70. Now glucose is elevated into the low 100s temporarily and head right back down into the 80/low 90s very quickly.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Interesting, thank you for sharing. How are you liking Stelo?

[@jamesmcmahonii8433]

@DiabetesStrong it beats finger pricks. However, the data it sends to Samsung Health through Health Connect does not match what is displayed in the app. It's great to see how certain foods impact blood sugar or that I am not utilizing glucose, and it happens to be due to inflammation. Oats, for instance, are something I didn't know cause spikes. Great for you, but bad for inflammation.

[@Willy-hs7uu]

Dihydroberberine is absorbed much better, about 5 times as much which means you can take smaller dosages for the same benefit, of course this means your less likely to have upset stomach,

[@healthyinformation]

So true. This is what we use for all our clients

[@Jil8840]

I tried Berberine for 2-4 months with no side effects. I have seen tons of side effects trying various other supplements!!!!!

[@jimcase54]

I've been taking 500mg 3 times a day. The first day I had some stomach issues. Since then no problem. Blood sugars seem to be responding nicely but it has only been about 18 days.

[@juanfermin1841]

I have been taking Berberine for 1 year, I take 1200 mg once a day, I love it and I've never had any problems with it.

[@m.w.976]

Same here.

[@Awesomesaf]

What benefits you get with it please? And any particular brand you can recommend? Thanks

[@charlesclark9932]

Same here and have never had any problems with it.

[@Tumaini94]

Which brand? I bought one that is 500mg so I take it 1 morning, 1 lunch one dinner but still not ok....

[@davivify]

I have heard that it's better to start on a lower dose and build up so as to allow your body to acclimate to it. Also the DiHydro metabolite, I hear, has fewer digestive issues.

[@bettykramos1802]

I tried the HCI kind of berberine, I got pretty bad stomach issues. I just ordered the dihydroberberine….so another trial👍🏼

[@healthyinformation]

You should do much better with that form. Let me know

[@bettykramos1802]

@@healthyinformation Thank you! I just ordered it. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@Cooliewhistles]

Update ?

[@bettykramos1802]

@@Cooliewhistles I ended up not trying it. I’m in a trial that has Berberine as a no no.

[@Obligate.Carnivore]

If you have constapation eat more fat! Your body can only absort so much fat and fat doesn’t get deposited as fat. Any extra goes out the back very loosely. It takes fat to burn fat.

[@CindyPurses]

I'm type 1. My doctor prescribed Metformin some years ago and it not only did not work for me, but I suffered from horrible intestinal issues and refused to take it any more. I tried Berberine and it also did not work for me either. Since the pancreas is not operating for a Type 1, this supplement, which is supposed to help make the pancreas produce insulin is futile. It may help a Type 2, but for me, it was a waste of time and money and suffering from side-effects. Thank you for all your great videos, Christel. You're terrific!!!!!!!!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing

[@grainiac7824]

I thought she said it was supposed to help the pancreas NOT produce so much insulin..

[@laurap5019]

No, it’s the liver to produce glucagon, which causes the dawn phenomenon in type 1 especially.

[@wejam57]

Notice the most recent advertisement say Berberine supports healthy Blood glucose levels, not lowers blood glucose levels.

[@healthyinformation]

Thank the FDA for insisting on ambiguity

[@username00009]

For them to say it lowers blood glucose levels (even if it already does), a pharmaceutical company would have to turn it into a prescription medicine. Remember, even prescriptions work for some people and not others.

[@grainiac7824]

my experience was it was a game changer b/c I have inflammation , which makes it harder to just get glucose lower with diet and exercise. Berb has anti-inflammatory properties and recently there was research showing it helped clear arterial plaque. I am fairly strict on the carb control, healthy fats and maintaining BMI at 21

[@hkvery3852]

I had the same problem, chronic constipation with Berberine. Had to stop it after 3 weeks.

[@wasimahmed1570]

Chia seeds and flex seed ,,,,,,take equal size and make a power .take one full table spoon in the morning befroe breakfast and u will be regular and with lots of other benefits

[@AbhinayMore-el1uz]

It helped me too reduces your A1C naturally without having side effects

[@sherrysherry5972]

"The right dose" is not just about what works for you it also about trying to understand the supplement labels. Example: Bottle A = 550 mg standardized extract 28%-34%. Bottle B = 1000-1500 mg berberine which has HCI of 500mg. Bottle C = berberine complex proprietary blend 1500mg containing berberine HCI 200 mg. Bottle D= berberine 1500 mg 80x concentrate 180-500 mg total capsules 100% pure. Which one is the largest dose of the active ingredient? Very confusing. I take it to OpenAI and type in all this info and ask AI to tell me what it means. Which helps but it is confusing!

[@katherinethacker4263]

I have been taking berberine for over a month. I will have a blood test next month. I have lost weight down from 191 to 167. I have no stomach issues. I take 2 capsules of berberine and 1 cinnamon capsule a half hour after my heaviest meal of the day.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Great to hear that it's working so well for you!

[@teresawright5924]

Thanx for the tips

[@RickaylaScotland-km6xb]

How do you know what really works because you where taking both insulin and the berberine

[@travels3577]

I was on berberine for about Six months Lost 20 lbs I was looking to lose weight I only take it five days a week It just makes me feel good I have had the bloating but it’s bearable It really depends on the brand My cousin brought a different brand than me and only lost 6lbs My dosage was 500 the bottle recommended two capsules a day that was to much for me

[@scotter]

Thank you for this! Have you tried dihydro-berberine, which supposedly absorbs differently/better and is said to cause less stomach issues?

[@DiabetesStrong]

I haven’t. I’m not sure I dare give Berberine another go

[@JohnSmith-fl5qn]

Too much blah blah for nothing

[@MS-ir1es]

Like you I can never get past the stomach pain. Even have tried so-called "super-berberine."

[@whitelfner4582]

Interesting about the comparison and similar side effects to Metformin. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (likely just infection driven high blood sugar) 16 months ago. When prescribed Metformin before my 3 month A1c about 14 months ago, they have you 'ramp up' the metformin to the level they want you at I think 500mg a pill, adding 1 per week until I was up to 2000mg a day after 3 weeks. Shortly after my A1c test came back in the normal range and after checking with GP I reduced the A1c weekly for 4 weeks until I was off it about 10 months ago. So perhaps, with similar side effects, ramping up on the berberine to let your body get used to it would work for you and others. FWIW - 3 Subsequent A1c's have been in the normal range and I did manage to just reach 5.7 in the last one though I was dehydrated so likely the reasoning there, though my blood sugar had been up as I had my upper teeth removed as a prep for hip surgery and had been eating half a loaf a bread a day with peanut butter, but in the 115 to 120 range(daily fasting) which should have still been just in the normal range. I had already quit the bread due to the weight gain and daily fasting is down to 100-105 which has been my normal pre toothless...lol. Gums have now receded, and I'll get my upper plate in the next 30 days. Looking forward to so many things, Peanuts #1, Pickles, and chef salads right behind that.

[@TimMacPA]

Did not work at all for me. I take a boatload of meds every day and my sugar is still elevated. The only thing that really works is cutting out all sugar.

[@healthyinformation]

Diet is always the key 0:24

[@Jeto704]

I tried it. Maybe i should have started gradually but after a few days i got extremely sick - it felt like the flu. Couldn't keep anything inside me. Thought it was food poisoning at first because the reaction started after lunch and taking another pill. But a couple days later i felt better when i missed a dosage. Went back on and felt horrible again. Stopped completely and I was back to my self within a day. I had lost 10 lbs but that's not a normal way to lose weight.

[@PinkAmadeus]

It's not once a day but 500 mg with every meal, and keto surely helps.

[@JohnSmith-se4sk]

Per my Doctor and Pharmacist: berberine should be avoided or used with caution when taking certain statin drugs, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).Mar 30, 2023. This also applies for Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure medications.

[@GvIn2it]

I had the same stomach problems with nutricost berberine. Solved the problem by putting the capsules in a larger, timed release capsule (hypromellose capsule)

[@randycutler5900]

Thank you for the warning, I just ordered the Thorne 200 mg. Capsule from Amazon, it is on its way now. My GI system has issues with heartburn, occasional nausea, and constipation already so this will be considered before I take even a small dose. I may try getting some Golden Seal and dried barberries instead. Thank you.

[@diannalocke997]

I was wondering about Berberine. You must have been reading my mind! Thanks!

[@RunnerThin]

Works great for me

[@janpoole910]

It gave me explosive diarrhea, in particular at night I would poop in the bed!! Does this happen to anyone else?

[@berniemoore9383]

Yes I tried it also , I’m type 1 and I have managed to stay off mealtime insulin with a very clean diet , I take7 units of Teresiba once a day and met Forman 2\ day for lunch and dinner. But berberine was really hard on my stomach

[@joanschneider6780]

Wow, my bottle recommends 1 capsule daily at 150 mg. I react to almost everything and I haven't had any negative reactions.

[@Witchgrrrl]

I was taking Berberine for 6 months, did not help me. neither with HbA1c nor weight reduction. Maybe the brandswasn't genuine.

[@cofoothills]

Would you post where you got the chart of 40 things that impact blood sugar? Thank you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Here you go: diatribe.org/diabetes-management/42-factors-affect-blood-glucose-surprising-update

[@yetisghost]

That isn't a good brand. There have been tests on that one and it doesn't have any in it.

[@bigswolletx]

it dropped my A!C from 5.5 to 4.8, then got off it and it went back to 5.3

[@grainiac7824]

Medical team has no clue about supplements. I love my berb. I never take more than 500 mg and I try a day or two a week without taking it to try to keep my body from getting dependent on it.

[@DavidC-rt3or]

As you mention it does sound like it works the same as Metformin. For me at least, my body can handle 500mg 2x a day of Metformin ER (extended release) but beyond that the gut issues start up. (Or even same amount of non-extended release, so guessing Berberine would do the same).

[@stuartsinclair6269]

Please wear a GCM when testing these products, it’s lower that can effect you greatly, also does too much tweaking effect your blood??? Good to see these videos some medications I don’t recognise as I’m from the UK,

[@ninthsunn]

i haven’t tried it but from what i’ve heard from your result, i’d most likely have the same effects as you. i’ve got a very sensitive stomach, metformin simply doesn’t agree with me so i couldn’t take them. i’m not entirely sure why or what’s causing it but already i’m often suffering from indigestion, heavily bloating, pain at the back of my neck and dizziness. so this doesn’t sound the right one for me, thank you so much for the video. it’s really helping my decision

[@brokenfreddy1262]

The yellow colored berberine is not the same as the more brownish colored brand..I immediately started getting the stomach issues whereas I never had any from the other one..I would try different brands cos they are not the same..

[@DavidC-rt3or]

As side note, at least for me, taking Benfotiamine and Thiamine (both basically B1) seems to have lowered bs average (haven't tried just one or the other).

[@Kalebent]

2:15 can you share that picture with us? I'd like to keep it on my phone.

[@DiabetesStrong]

That is from Diatribe. You can find the image here: diatribe.org/diabetes-management/42-factors-affect-blood-glucose-surprising-update

[@uoohoo99]

I've had the same issues. My BS dropped after just a few days. But...the constipation and bloating were horrible. I gained 6 lbs in less than 3 weeks. I stopped taking the first brand for a week, l lost 3 lbs, then started another brand at half the recommended dose. I have gained the 3 lbs back just after one week. I guess my gut just doesn't like berberine.

[@DiabetesStrong]

😑 it’s not for you and I. Thank you for sharing

[@snorhaar66]

I got severe stomach ache after taking my first pill.. Don't dare take it again

[@OptimusOctopuss5302]

Berberine works great for lots of people with prediabetes and type 1. I believe that your stomach issues would have been gone if you had continued taking Berberine for at least 4-6 weeks. Usually a first negative reaction doesn’t mean that what you’re taking isn’t working but quite the opposite. That’s why tests and trials can’t be determined after two weeks of testing.

[@christopherone1]

ah, what do you know about type 1 diabetes...SMH

[@ActivateMission2ThisTimeline]

I have heard many did carnivore diets with type 1 and got steady glucose levels and needed minimum insulin.

[@gymjoedude]

It blocks mTor. You decide whether that's good or bad.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

I am pre-diabetic, but pre-type 1 rather than 2. Very low carb / keto diet. I had already been taking 2g Glucophage as a split dose for a long time when I started berberine. ] absolutely agree with Christel's idea, the more help the better. When I started on Glucophage, I heeded all the warnings and began with the smallest possible dose and increased very gradually. This worked perfectly. When it came to berberine, I was too eager. A largeish dose led to appalling, explosive digestive problems. I tried to soldier on, I was that keen, but eventually my reactions were too dire. After a brief recovery period, I began again, this time with only 500mg a day. Eventually (after weeks) I was able to raise that to 600mg, and after an even longer interval to the 2 x 500mg I take nowadays. Unfortunately I can't really tell if the berberine is helping (or the Glucophage, for that matter). There are just too many factors involved. I guess my diet is the most important factor. I do urge anyone wanting to try berberine to start small and build up gradually.

[@ClumsyZebra4life]

Thanks for this comment. Good strategy recommendation.

[@PrasantaDatta-f3g]

What is your Insulin/C _ Peptide level?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing

[@brentdundee]

Ive taken it for the past two years straight 1.5grms a day nil issues

[@lindasmith6202]

I had the same reaction with berberine - constipation, bloating & gas.

[@donnar9864]

I'm not a diabetic but my A1c got a bit too close to pre diabetes for my liking, it's working so good... I make coconut oil bombs out of them, so the oil regulates my hormones... The brand of berberine I bought has the white willow bark to stop any tummy troubles plus by putting it in the bombs, I'm not taking it on an empty stomach , also it has Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper... Also, without trying, I've lost 15 lbs.. I can't live without it now..

[@sheila7814]

Where can you buy the white willow bark kind? I am in the same situation as you. A1C was 6.1. I have gotten it back down to 5.7 but nervous about it going up. I am on anastrazole (for breast cancer - to remove all my estrogen since the cancer is estrogen fed) and have learned that estrogen is a glucose moderator…… so my glucose is having trouble being regulated since my hormones are all out of whack. I am hoping to try berberine. I am already taking turmeric, black pepper, EVOO, and Ceylon cinnamon. How does the coconut oil regulate your hormones? In what way and which ones? Anyway, any answers you can provide would be much appreciated. Thank you

[@CaptainB007]

BS! I took it for months with no results!

[@hoboonwheels9289]

Every body is different.

[@Kakkoii_ne]

BS. I took it and it absolutely lowered my blood sugar.

[@lindakrief]

Berberine has anti-biotic properties and it kills off an important gut bacteria called L. roterie (not sure of spelling). I have been suffering for months with a bloated upper GI tract. I am looking for the proper pro-biotic to help.

[@carolynthreinen1524]

Kefir water or coconut probiotic or bio K …

[@Gail-ux2ly]

Berberine works to lower my blood sugar, but my pancreas really did not like it! Upper belly pain and nausea.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing

[@karronlaneNOLA]

there's a new formulation. Dihydro Berberine. i can't tolerate either one but some people ae having success with the new formulation. ty for the video.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing. Appreciate it

[@lisavantol5875]

I take it but don’t notice any change with BG. Im T1

[@RunnerThin]

T2. Bernadine works great. Zero negative issues for me

[@taninota70]

what brand?

[@ramonacowman7409]

I am type 1.5 LADA. I take Berberine with each meal. I am still in the honeymoon phase of my journey. It helps along with walking after meals and removing junk carbs from my diet. I am not on insulin yet. Last A1C was 5.7!

[@alanking51]

I was diagnosed as a type 2 in November os 2021. A1c was 12.9. I got it down to 5.1. Keep up the good work.

[@jennifersantiago9759]

What brand of berberine do you use?

[@taninota70]

@@alanking51 what brand ?

[@alanking51]

@@taninota70 Any brand as long it has plenty of milligrams. I will get mine at Walmart.

[@gbrown9273]

I have a question... If you have type 1, you do not produce insulin, so HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU HAVE YOUR LIVER DO AN INSULIN DUMP? last time I looked it was the pancreas that produces insulin, not the liver.. although the liver does have an effect on diabetes and insulin production .... What you have to say does not make any sense..

[@DiabetesStrong]

Not insulin dump. Glucose dump

[@gbrown9273]

@@DiabetesStrong Okay that makes more sense, but it said in the vid-insulin dump....

[@loum.4377]

Berberine is very hard on the stomach.

[@albertgysels6293]

In this brand there is 0.0 berberine!

[@dougberrett8094]

Another super video. Thank you so much for your efforts. I know how unpleasant it can be to take something that makes your stomach really upset. Same thing happened to me with Metformin. That did go away. It is always a good idea to have some options. One of these days I may decide to try some Berberine. One never knows when one might run out of Metformin. At present if I run out of Met, I know I can get some insulin, so I don't really worry too much. Once again, thanks so much for all you do!!!

[@joeholden6129]

What about Gymnema Sylvestre? Have you tried it and does it work? My endocrinologist said that he can't comment on it because it's not FDA approved.

[@healthyinformation]

This is an essential ingredient in my blood sugar support formula and works best with other adjunct nutrients

[@DiabetesStrong]

It’s not something I’m familiar with

[@dorothybrown8859]

Interesting, thank you for sharing. I sometimes take Berberine as an adjunct to Metformin when my nighttime glucose is above 100. It is very helpful in keeping my fasting glucose below 100. In the 8-10 months I have been taking it I have not noticed any negative side effects.

[@Beethechange1]

I have taken 2x500 for about 2 weeks.. no issues ..stopped everything.. Started taking vitamins and a tea.. And became ill.. tummy..not sure what caused it.. but i will start again.. just trying to get rid of all the vitamins i have..

[@healthyinformation]

Making too many additions to soon can sometimes overload the stomach

[@Beethechange1]

@@healthyinformation truth

[@paulamano]

You need to take hydroberberine

[@larrynevius1030]

I took it for one month with no change at all

[@Smooth-wc6zp]

VeVery good 4 me 2 years now

[@leboonleboon1638]

As usual, you’re the best! I’m really glad that you did your experiment because I was gonna try to get off the glipizide extended release and transition to the otc but after what you said, I’m thinking twice now. You should have your buddy Tom do a video and experiment and see what his results are. Maybe he’ll grow some hair on his head.

[@DiabetesStrong]

😆