@A DiabetesTeam Member the answer is "maybe"

There is a whole basket load of traditional/natural supplements that have been used to try and help diabetics in the days before medication

Some of them will/might help some aspect of your metabolism deal a little better with blood sugar but almost always you don't know until you try

But you have to be careful. Some like St. John's Wort don't play very nicely with real medications and you could seriously mess yourself up

While you can do the research yourself on sites like WebMD that have a section on (interactions) it would always be beyond wise to talk to your Doctor, Pharmacist (always a great choice since they are actually "drug doctors"), Registered Dietitian etc to make sure that whatever you are considering "trying" is safe if you are taking other meds (and not just diabetes meds

Metformin almost Never causes low blood sugar on it's own, but if you add in "too much" Berberine that may not be the case

Berberine is also not advised or used with extreme caution if you are using over the counter cough medication, taking sedatives, blood thinners, blood pressure meds etc

Just because you can buy something in an over-the-counter bottle at the drugstore or supermarket doesn't mean it's SAFE

Since it's not a "drug" it only has to be safe if it's taken in "total isolation" of other supplements or medications

Now Berberine is included in just about all of the "combination" supplements aimed at diabetics and it's generally "safe"

But just like everything else - just because 95 out of 100 people have no issues with Metformin after the first couple of weeks, sometimes (we) might fall into that 5% that, whether it's metformin or berberine or aspirin that will have a reaction, possibly quite violent

So do proceed with caution AND don't expect "wonders"

Most supplements at "best" might lower your blood sugar average by a few points

For me Milk Thistle I got about a 0.5 mmol (9 or 10 points) reduction in "average" fasting numbers

Nice bit of help but it is small - if my FBS was running over 150/8.3 mmols consistently I would need "Real Meds" not a supplement knocking a few points off

So be safe, ask your Doc/Pharmacist who knows all the other meds/medical conditions you have

If you get the green light start with a low dose and monitor

And don't expect miracles

That would be my advice...

Mentioned Users

A Diabete...

Hello fellow warriors, your response to the question is greatly appreciated. As usual Graham, you have just provided much needed clarity and advice🔥🤗

Hello @A DiabetesTeam Member. Have a super awesome day my friend💙

Mentioned Users

A Diabete...

Hi Andre4... I have been a user of Throne Berberine 500 mg for over 17 years.
Now the brand Throne is making 200 mg and 1000 mg...only the 500 mg are sold in combination with another Throne supplement.
So I buy the 200 mg and depending if I need more then I will take 400 mg or 600 mg.
I'm allergic to metformin and don't like the FDA drugs and their side affects.
Good luck. Have a blessed day 🙏.