---
title: Berberine – The Missing Link in Blood Glucose Management?
description: Berberine, a plant alkaloid, is linked to lower HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, lipids, and CRP in adults with type 2 diabetes.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/11-5-berberine-missing-link-diabetes.jpeg
---

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Research & Education

# Berberine – The Missing Link in Blood Glucose Management?

BM Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN Nov 05, 2024

![Berberine – The Missing Link in Blood Glucose Management?](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/featured/11-5-berberine-missing-link-diabetes.jpeg?width=960)

## Introduction

[The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is staggering](https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.2991/jegh.k.191028.001.pdf), with a [global rate that affects over 500 million adults](https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/). Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight and obese, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, age, poor diet, and ethnicity. As [obesity trends continue to rise](https://data.worldobesity.org/publications/WOF-Obesity-Atlas-v7.pdf), interventions from the medical community are expected to bring relief. Common medications that have been on the market for years, including [Ozempic (semaglutide)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/), [Wegovy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/)Æ (semaglutide), and [MounjaroÆ (tirzepatide)](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038), have made their name as effective treatments for T2DM and obesity. Recently, these drugs have soared in popularity for their [use as weight loss agents](https://web.archive.org/web/20250101050911/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014). These drugs have become so popular that [prescription fills increased by more than 400% between January 2021 and December 2023](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2821688?resultClick=24), despite their side effects, route of administration (via injection), and [high costs](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2816824). Interestingly, research is investigating a compound named berberine as a potential missing link in blood glucose management, which may be clinically relevant to those with T2DM. 

## Berberine

Data indicates that [berberine may support pathways related to blood sugar and lipid metabolism in the human body](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/). [It may help promote normal insulin metabolism and a normal inflammatory response](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839379/). [Berberine](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6111450/) (*Berberis aristata*) is a compound found in 450 to 500 various plant species. Berberine is an alkaloid (nitrogen-containing) found in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and barberry, and is traditionally used in botanical and Chinese medicine. Evidence indicates berberine may play a supportive role in [the reduction of numerous markers of metabolic dysfunction, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and fasting insulin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/). 

## The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in 2021 investigated berberine’s metabolic effect on diabetes. The primary outcomes of the studies included changes in metabolic markers, such as HgA1C, fasting glucose, and two-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG). Secondary outcomes were also considered and included fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index (BMI), a lipid profile, and finally, the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP). [Pooled data](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696197/#sec2) from a total population of 4,158 adult participants (18 years or older) with T2DM or prediabetes [reported that the participants given berberine in the range of 480 mg per day to three grams three times per day (total of nine grams) for a duration of between four weeks to six months exhibited a statistically significant decrease in HbA1C, FPG, and 2hPG (all P \< 0.05)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696197/#sec2). 

[The participants given berberine exhibited a decrease in fasting insulin by 2.05 (P \< 0.05), HOMA-IR by 0.71 (P \< 0.05), and BMI by 1.07 (P \< 0.05)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696197/#sec2). Pooled results of the data of adult participants with T2DM or prediabetes reported that [the participants given berberine exhibited significantly lowered triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; all P \< 0.05)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696197/#sec2). The [T2DM participants given berberine also displayed statistically significant lowered CRP amounts by 2.13 (P \< 0.05)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696197/#sec2). The safety of berberine was also investigated in this systematic review and meta-analysis and was reported to be “generally safe.” It’s important to note that [compared to placebo, the T2DM participants given berberine did not exhibit more adverse events (AEs)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8696197/#sec2). The main AEs reported were mainly of gastrointestinal origin, including diarrhea, abdominal distention, and constipation. [Newer data support these findings](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38016844/). 

In summary, berberine offers promising benefits to support overall metabolic health. This plant-derived compound supports blood sugar metabolism, healthy insulin function, and lipid profiles and may help support a healthy inflammatory response. As a result, berberine may provide effective adjuncts for those seeking to manage metabolic health holistically. 

Learn more about nutrients, herbs, and metabolic health: 

[The Hidden Effects: Medications and Their Impact on Your GI Tract](https://www.casi.org/articles/medications-and-their-impact-on-gi-tract)

[4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote GLP-1 Production](https://www.casi.org/articles/4-surprising-botanicals-promote-normal-glp-1-production)

[New Review Investigates the Modulatory Properties of Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetic Patients](https://www.casi.org/articles/review-investigates-modulatory-properties-vitamin-d-type-2-diabetic-patients)

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### Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Berberine Synergy™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/44e46265b87fb2f14c78bf1fbe9d6943596d42e4-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Berberine Synergy™

Berberine and alpha lipoic acid · Capsules

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/berberine)

## Continue your research

#### [Science Update A Case Series on an Allulose-Containing Gummy in Healthy Adults Monitored by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sep 09, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/a-case-series-on-an-allulose-containing-gummy-in-healthy-adults-monitored-by-continuous-glucose-monitoring)

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