Many commonly used drugs come from plants. This is the case of metformin, which was originally found and isolated in the plant Galega officinalis in the 1930s, almost 100 years ago. Metformin began to be used a few years later and today it is a synthetic drug used throughout the world.

We seek to live more and live better and this implies, for many people in the world, a philosophy of life more in line with nature: therefore we look again to plants and food as a source not only nutrients but of substances that help us to “maintain and recover health.” In this search for natural equivalents for certain drugs we can get confused and make mistakes.

In this article we talk about something that, in reality, does not exist and that is natural metformin. We have to be careful because this name can cause people who require a drug for your control of glucose or blood sugar levels stop your treatmentswith the dangers that may entail.

On the other hand, from different areas The idea is promoted that metformin helps you lose weight to people who do not need to take metformin.

In this article we explain what so-called natural metformin is and offer you information about natural substances that can help you control blood glucose levels and metabolismcalling them by name, so that you have no doubts.

What is natural metformin and what is it for?

As we have commented, “natural metformin” does not really exist as such. Metformin is a synthetic drug that is used in patients with type 2 diabetes and more recently in some other condition, but always under professional control.

When we look in detail at the composition of what is called “natural metformin”, we can see that It is usually one or more medicinal plants with nutrients that are known to help regulate blood glucose levels (glycemia) and promote the use of insulin by the pancreas.

Some of these substances include berberine, which is an active ingredient present in some medicinal plants important in Chinese herbal medicine (such as Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis chinensis either Phellodendron sp.) The name «berberine» comes from the genus Berberis, specifically from the barberry or Berberis vulgarisa plant known for its diuretic, purifying action, support for the lymphatic system and metabolism.

Today, the concentrates or extracts most used for their berberine content are those of Skullcap, which can also be used in conjunction with zinc, which is necessary for the correct formation and secretion of insulin by the pancreas and, therefore, to promote glucose metabolism.

Does metformin lose weight?

Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes is an increasingly present condition in our globalized world and It is usually linked to overweight and obesity.

This It is due to several factors, mainly dietary and lifestyle. Controlling blood glucose with the appropriate substances, along with a healthy lifestyle, physical activity and adequate diet helps in weight loss, losing fluids, and also helps those people in prediabetic states who have problems with the use of their own insulin.

Now, weight does not simply drop to adequate levels by using antidiabetic medication like metformin. Any diabetic person knows it: what is needed is treatment, diet, exercise… a healthy and active life.

But like sometimes, when it comes to weight, we lose our minds instead of being sensible. It seems that Many people believe that you can lose weight without making any effort. any or any change.

Of course you can help control blood glucose or blood sugar levels in a more natural way! And, above all, You should not stop any pharmacological treatment that you are already taking for diabetes, prediabetes or insulin resistance states, without professional follow-up. Don’t risk it!

Medicinal plants that help control blood glucose

In addition to the plants we have mentioned above, let’s look at other plants that can help control blood glucose levels (glycemia) and better use of insulin by cells:

1. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia either Cinnamomum zeylanicumof which the bark is used and is also known to help control glucose levels): Promotes proper digestion of carbohydrates. In Chinese medicine it is explained that it promotes spleen yang, by stimulating the Yang kidney; This provides a feeling of vitality and helps us better digest foods with carbohydrates without raising glucose. The advantage is that it does not cause restlessness like ginseng, also included on this list, can do.
2. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Fenugreek seeds have long been known for their hypoglycemic effects and improving glucose tolerance.
3. Gymnema sylvestris: This plant has been traditionally used for treatment of type 2 diabetes in both Chinese medicine and Ayurveda By reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestine and increasing the production of insulin, it helps reduce blood glucose levels.
4. Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine for blood glucose control. Some studies suggest that ginseng may help improve blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes by improving overall metabolism. However, we must keep in mind that the mechanism of action of ginseng due to its very nature Yangmay not be suitable for people with hypertension, nervousness or anxiety, arrhythmias or tachycardia, or simply for very restless people.

More keys to take care of yourself and prevent diabetes

Remember that:

Type 2 diabetes can be taken care of with your lifestyle. It can also be prevented with healthy diet and physical activity habits that prevent overweight and help manage stress.

Family trends are just that: trends. Possibly your father, mother, grandparents, and grandmothers experienced other historical and dietary circumstances that caused them to develop type 2 diabetes. Take care of yourself to minimize risk factors and prevent its appearance.

Consult with a trusted health professional to achieve your health and well-being goals.

If you are already taking pharmacological treatment for diabetes or prediabetes, do not simply abandon it.