Berberine for Blood Sugar: Evidence, Typical Dosages Used in Studies, and Risks
Berberine is one of the most talked‑about supplements for blood sugar support—and also one of the easiest to misunderstand.
In this guide, we’ll cover what berberine is, what research suggests about blood sugar and A1C, the dosage ranges commonly used in studies, and the safety considerations you should discuss with your clinician.
Quick note (patient-to-patient): We’re people living with diabetes sharing education and lived experience, not medical professionals. This article is informational only and isn’t medical advice. Supplements can interact with medications—check with your clinician.
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## What is berberine?
Berberine is a compound found in several plants and studied for metabolic markers like fasting glucose, A1C, and lipids.
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## Typical dosage used in studies
Dosages vary, but a common pattern is:
– 500 mg, 2–3 times per day (often with meals)
Total daily amounts are often around 1,000–1,500 mg/day split into doses.
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## Side effects
Most common: GI upset (nausea, diarrhea/constipation, cramps).
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## Safety and interactions
– Added hypoglycemia risk when combined with meds that can cause lows (insulin, sulfonylureas)
– Potential drug‑metabolism interactions
– Extra caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding and before surgery
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## FAQs
**Can I take berberine instead of metformin?** Don’t swap meds without clinician guidance.
**How long to see changes?** A1C typically needs 8–12 weeks to reflect meaningful change.