5 Biggest Potential Benefits Of Berberine For Type-2 Diabetes Patients

For centuries, ancient medicine believed that berberine compounds have plenty of benefits to a person’s body. This compound is naturally present in several plants, including the goldthread, the goldenseal, and the European barberry. 

It is widely used by the Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian civilizations for over several centuries. But recently, modern medicine discovered that berberine pills that anyone can purchase over-the-counter could help in curing several diseases. Some of the most prevalent ailments that this type of plant-based medicine can cure include Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is also starting to become a popular alternative treatment for Type-2 diabetes. 

A woman with diabetes doing a blood test with a glucometer.

While most doctors require more studies before they can fully accept this treatment for curing diabetes, some studies believe that berberine can provide the following benefits to help patients manage their condition.  

Helps Reduce Blood Sugar Level

A recent study claimed that berberine pills could help in reducing the insulin resistance of Type-2 diabetes patients. According to the researchers of the study published in 2015, taking berberine as a supplementary therapy to other diabetes mellitus treatments or as a standalone medicine can help in improving the patient’s resistance to insulin. It can also assist in promoting better insulin secretion, stimulate the glycolysis that takes place in the person’s peripheral tissue cells, and lessen the glucose absorption in the intestine. As a result, the patient taking berberine supplements will have lower blood sugar levels. 

Lessens Hemoglobin A1C Production

Another study made public through the Metabolism journal discovered that berberine supplements could also decrease the levels of haemoglobin A1C or the Glycated haemoglobin in the body. Doctors use this type of haemoglobin to measure the average blood sugar levels in the body for an average of two to three months to diagnose if the person has diabetes. If the A1C level gets reduced, the doctor may finally lower down the medications taken by Type 2 diabetes patients. 

Possibly Improve The Fasting And Postprandial Glucose Of Type 2 Diabetes Patients 

The berberine supplements may decrease the fasting and postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels by as much as 30 percent, based on the result of another research. These glucose levels also serve as markers to determine the severity of diabetes and to determine the blood glucose control of the body. 

Prevents Diabetic Neuropathy

One of the most horrifying complications of Type 2 diabetes is nerve damage. It can impede a person’s natural movements and usual body functions. But by taking berberine pills, patients may have lower risks of having this debilitating condition. Researchers from South Korea’s Keimyung School of Medicine and the Kyungpook National University made this claim after publishing a study in 2013. The researchers also discovered that this natural supplement could lessen the pain experienced by people dealing with diabetic neuropathy. 

Lowers Risks Of Kidney Damage

Type-2 diabetes patients have higher risks of having some kidney damages. It is one of the complications of the disease. But according to another research published by the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics in 2010, berberine pills can protect the kidneys from possible diabetes complications. As a result, the patient will have lesser chances of having a renal failure in the long run.  

These are some of the possible effects that Type-2 diabetes patients can get from taking berberine supplements to combat the disease. These patients must still inform their primary healthcare providers if they want to include these pills in their medication to make sure that it will not have any adverse reactions with the other treatments. 

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