Naturopathic alternative to Metformin

[zazzycat]

I have just been diagnosed with Type II (2 days before Christmas!). There is a long and strong family history of diabetes: my grandfather was an IDDM and my mother, aunt and uncle all had Type II (NIDDM). My GP put me on Metformin, which I started on Tuesday 22nd Dec.) By yesterday (Dec, 26th) I had developed significant side-effects, including nausea, vomiting (3 times), diarrhoea (* times in the space of 4 hours),distended stomach, continuous "gurgling" in stomach, indigestion, strong after-taste of sulphur, increased low back pain (from which I already suffer), shakiness. Unfortunately, I also have GORD and Lupus. I have stopped taking the Metformin, but until I see my GP again, I would greatly appreciate knowing whether there is a scientifically-proven herbal alternative that I can take instead, as I am a great believer in naturopathic medicine. Any advice to this somewhat downheartened "newbie" would be much appreciated!

 

[bulkbiker]

First thing to do... contact your doctor or nurse asap to try and get on the slow release metformin tablets as they may help.. although with me they didn't. I don't know of any scientifically proven herbal alternative (an oxymoron maybe?).
Then have a read of all the great info on this site in the forums and start removing carbs from your diet. This helps more than anything for a lot of people, me included. Good luck and enjoy the reading..

 

[Pinkorchid]

How many Metformin tablets are you taking. I started on them 3 weeks ago first on one a day and was told to increase the dose every 14 days by one tablet and by week 8 I will be on the full 2 tablets twice a day. I am just starting the second week on two a day and touch wood so far have not had any problems with them and they are not the SR version

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Yes, do ask for the SR (Slow Release) version. I'm also not aware of any natruropahtic alternative, Bear in mind that Metformin started life as a derivative from a flower. Metformin never has a great effect on blood sugar so if it continues to give problems then suggest to the GP that you stop it. Diet is always the highest priority together with exercise, then meds can be added if needed after that.

 

[Robbity]

Maybe watch how many carbohydrates you're eating too, as too many carbs and metformin often don't go very well together, and can often cause bloating, wind, and diarrhoea.

Increasing your tablets gradually over 2-3 weeks is often recommended as this allows your body time to get acclimatised - and this is what my doctor advised me to do when he first prescribed them for me. It's well worth asking about the SR version, or even a different brand to see if these options might help.

Robbity

PS The flower that metformin is derived from is French Lilac, aka Goats Rue, and there's a somewhat technical article about it here.

 

[tony71]

Maybe watch how many carbohydrates you're eating too, as too many carbs and metformin often don't go very well together, and can often cause bloating, wind, and diarrhoea.

Increasing your tablets gradually over 2-3 weeks is often recommended as this allows your body time to get acclimatised - and this is what my doctor advised me to do when he first prescribed them for me. It's well worth asking about the SR version, or even a different brand to see if these options might help.

Robbity

PS The flower that metformin is derived from is French Lilac, aka Goats Rue, and there's a somewhat technical article about it here.

I have just been diagnosed with Type II (2 days before Christmas!). There is a long and strong family history of diabetes: my grandfather was an IDDM and my mother, aunt and uncle all had Type II (NIDDM). My GP put me on Metformin, which I started on Tuesday 22nd Dec.) By yesterday (Dec, 26th) I had developed significant side-effects, including nausea, vomiting (3 times), diarrhoea (* times in the space of 4 hours),distended stomach, continuous "gurgling" in stomach, indigestion, strong after-taste of sulphur, increased low back pain (from which I already suffer), shakiness. Unfortunately, I also have GORD and Lupus. I have stopped taking the Metformin, but until I see my GP again, I would greatly appreciate knowing whether there is a scientifically-proven herbal alternative that I can take instead, as I am a great believer in naturopathic medicine. Any advice to this somewhat downheartened "newbie" would be much appreciated!

You could try GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE which is purported to lower blood sugar levels, I have been on it for 3days so probably not taken it long enough for it to take effect.

 

[Robbity]

You could try GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE which is purported to lower blood sugar levels, I have been on it for 3days so probably not taken it long enough for it to take effect.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've actually found that my low carb high(er) fat diet works wonders for me - and has lowered my glucose levels dramatically - and metformin is there as a bit a backup...

Robbity

 

[AloeSvea]

Yeah - Gymnema Sylvestre, and Bitter Melon, are two of the biggies often suggested.

Also - Apple Cider Vinegar. (This can be a very effective alternative to metformin - and I do not say this lightly.)

Eat ceylon cinnamon, turmeric, sage, cayenne pepper, chillis, black pepper, fenugreek, garlic, onion (just off the top of my head).

Also - really important - deal with any candida/yeast overgrowth (or any gut imbalances, parasites etc) you might have - as in get your gut health up to speed as quickly and as best as possible first. Olive leaf extract is great for this, and wild oregano, and upping eating your probiotics - sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented veg generally, and fermented dairy products (yoghurt, soured milk, cheeses) if you tolerate dairy well. I mention this as I believe it is crucial to get good blood glucose control.

Two major food intolerances you might have to address are intolerance to grain, and intolerance to dairy. As in take them out of your diet one by one, say a month at a time, and see if you can feel improvement in how you feel/gut health. But I am a (modified) Paleo eater, so I guess I would say that? But I do say it because I think it is true. And has been true for me.

 

[Indy51]

Berberine supposedly affects the same metabolic pathways as metformin:

https://examine.com/supplements/berberine/

 

[AloeSvea]

I wandered about online looking for berberine supplements - and did come across a Jenny Ruhl post which was pretty critical. Don't know what to make of it. But thought I would include ref just in case? (Would welcome feedback about use - ie @Indy51 - have you used it successfully?)

I can't seem to get a good link, but it's Jenny Ruhl Blood Sugar 101:
August 14, 2013
Berberine Works But May Very Well Be Harmful

 

[Indy51]

I wandered about online looking for berberine supplements - and did come across a Jenny Ruhl post which was pretty critical. Don't know what to make of it. But thought I would include ref just in case? (Would welcome feedback about use - ie @Indy51 - have you used it successfully?)

I can't seem to get a good link, but it's Jenny Ruhl Blood Sugar 101:
August 14, 2013
Berberine Works But May Very Well Be Harmful

Jenny Ruhl is highly critical of most supplements on the grounds of contamination and overseas sourced ingredients - as with anything, people need to do their own research and I'd definitely agree that it's wise to use only reputable brands. The makers of one brand replied to Jenny Ruhl's criticism - Jimmy Moore posted both sides of the argument from memory.

http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/glycosolve-makers-respond-to-concerns-over-berberine/20323

 

[Indy51]

Oops, forgot to respond about my personal experience - high dose berberine (500mg) had the same effect (gastritis) that metformin had on me. I took low dose (200mg, Thorne Research brand) without issue for a while but didn't have any great effect on BG. I probably didn't take it long enough or build up to a high enough dose. After my experience (bleeding gastritis and anaemia) with just 1x 500mg Metformin SR, I'm understandably pretty gun shy about anything that gives me gastritis pain

 

[jakejayeden]

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a scientifically-proved herbal alternative as current medicine is the best we have. An exotic veggie is no substitute for a pill with controlled amount of substances with the same amount of scrutineering a manned soyuz rocket goes under before cleared for launch.

 

[Indy51]

Unfortunately there is no such think as a scientifically-proved herbal alternative as current medicine is the best we have. An exotic veggie is no substitute for a pill with controlled amount of substances with the same amount of scrutineering a manned soyuz rocket goes under before cleared for launch.

That's not precisely true. If you'd read any of the links, you'd have found this quote:
"Berberine is one of the few supplements in the Examine.com database with human evidence that establishes it to be as effective as pharmaceuticals."

 

[jakejayeden]

That's not precisely true. If you'd read any of the links, you'd have found this quote:
"Berberine is one of the few supplements in the Examine.com database with human evidence that establishes it to be as effective as pharmaceuticals."

First link http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/ carries a disclaimer "Please consult with your own physician or health care specialist regarding the suggestions and recommendations" Ehh, I've seen a similar site in which a blogger trashes all Diabetics as fat lazy slobs, and we should buy supplements and exercise away the BETES with the same disclaimer. When asked about this, on came a slew of fallacies and insults. I tend to avoid such sites.

The other link Examine.com, report on berberine is examined (if you'll pardon the pun) by Jenny at this link http://diabetesupdate.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/berberine-works-but-may-very-well-be.html . Which she proposes that the studies and journals that have been citied by Examine.com may be paid for (not by Examine.com themselves) by supplement sellers to bribed journal publishers.
Other statements she makes such as the trials not being of significant length to ensure there is no long term damage, and that the supplement can interfere with certain medications which could be fatal.
Whilst it may be as effective as metaformin, there isn't enough evidence for it to be scientifically-proved herbal alt.

 

[Indy51]

First link http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/ carries a disclaimer "Please consult with your own physician or health care specialist regarding the suggestions and recommendations" Ehh, I've seen a similar site in which a blogger trashes all Diabetics as fat lazy slobs, and we should buy supplements and exercise away the BETES with the same disclaimer. When asked about this, on came a slew of fallacies and insults. I tend to avoid such sites.

The other link Examine.com, report on berberine is examined (if you'll pardon the pun) by Jenny at this link http://diabetesupdate.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/berberine-works-but-may-very-well-be.html . Which she proposes that the studies and journals that have been citied by Examine.com may be paid for (not by Examine.com themselves) by supplement sellers to bribed journal publishers.
Other statements she makes such as the trials not being of significant length to ensure there is no long term damage, and that the supplement can interfere with certain medications which could be fatal.
Whilst it may be as effective as metaformin, there isn't enough evidence for it to be scientifically-proved herbal alt.

I guess we could debate this forever, but like most things on the internet, we need to do our own research and make up our own minds. I wish I had time to read and had the skills to evaluate all 3,886 studies that reference berberine on pubmed.gov, but I'm not that dedicated to science

 

[AloeSvea]

Oops, forgot to respond about my personal experience - high dose berberine (500mg) had the same effect (gastritis) that metformin had on me. I took low dose (200mg, Thorne Research brand) without issue for a while but didn't have any great effect on BG. I probably didn't take it long enough or build up to a high enough dose. After my experience (bleeding gastritis and anaemia) with just 1x 500mg Metformin SR, I'm understandably pretty gun shy about anything that gives me gastritis pain

Thanks heaps for the info Indy! The Jimmy Moore piece was just what the doctor (naturopath?) ordered.

I'm sorry to hear about the gastritis pain! .