A: Berberine is a supplement that is recommended in some of my protocols. This is a compound that is extracted from several different plants and has many health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels. Its effectiveness has been compared to the most common diabetes drug because it is able to make insulin more effective, help the body break down sugars inside cells, decrease sugar production in the liver, and slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut. Studies have shown that 1 gram of berberine per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 20 percent in diabetic patients. Please be sure to speak with your practitioner and follow package directions if you do plan to use it. Always start at the lowest dose and work your way up from there, paying attention to any symptoms you may be feeling from it.