Balancing the Blood Sugar Equation: Natural Approaches to Metabolic Health

by Joy Choquette | October 31, 2025

New information, key ingredients and myths around blood sugar and metabolic health.

Unfortunately, individuals who work out, eat a healthy diet and get enough rest and relaxation may still suffer from poor metabolic health. And while it’s easy to track some metrics through the scale, a pedometer or a nutrition app, it’s more difficult to determine by looking at someone if their metabolic health is good or poor.

This is why many scientists look at five key metrics in this area: waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol to determine one’s overall metabolic health. What can those whose numbers fall outside the healthy range or who are at risk of being too high do? There are many natural health products on the market that may help an individual who is struggling with poor metabolic health or increased blood sugar levels. Key ingredients, advancements in this category, and common myths and misconceptions about both blood sugar and metabolic health will be explored.

What’s New & Interesting in the Blood Sugar & Metabolic Health Market?

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, has a practice in Hawaii and is the author of the book The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction. He shared his thoughts on metabolic health and blood sugar. “We are recognizing that insulin resistance combined with secondary weight gain and inflammation is likely the number one killer in our country,” said Dr. Teitelbaum. “It is not only a major cause of obesity, but also diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart attacks and strokes.” These, he noted, used to be uncommon. Now, however, it’s estimated one-third of Americans will develop diabetes, Dr. Teitelbaum noted. “This is largely because of the modern diet and low exercise with decreased sun exposure.”

To counteract this, Dr. Teitelbaum advised that individuals do the following: “Decrease sugar and white flour. Increase oily fish such as salmon and tuna. Switch to grass-fed beef. Go for walks in the sunshine.” Lastly, he also believes that optimizing testosterone levels is important.

Key Ingredients and Products

Dr. Teitelbaum stated that there are options when it comes to individuals looking for natural health products that may improve their blood sugar levels and/or metabolic health. “For those with diabetes or insulin resistance, I find that a powerful trio of supplements can naturally control or eliminate these.” The three products, all available through EuroMedica, Dr. Teitelbaum noted, are Sucontral D, one capsule twice daily; Berberine Ultra Absorption, 250 mg twice a day, or regular berberine 500 mg three times a day, and Melatonin Sustained-Release, 10 mg at bedtime. Dr. Teitelbaum noted that some of his clients have had remarkable success after a year of following this regimen.

Jessica Schrand, NMD, of Live Well Wellness Center in Arizona, agreed that berberine is especially helpful for individuals looking for healthier blood sugar levels. “Berberine is often called the ‘natural GLP-1’ because much like GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, it can improve insulin sensitivity, slow glucose absorption from the gut, and support healthy appetite regulation,” she noted.

“In my practice, the four ingredients I reach for most right now are berberine, inositol paired with chromium, high-dose cinnamon bark and alpha lipoic acid,” said Dr. Schrand. In addition to berberine, inositol with chromium is especially useful for women dealing with insulin resistance or cycle irregularities, she explained. “Inositol supports ovarian and metabolic health while chromium helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings,” Dr. Schrand said. “Cinnamon bark, when used in therapeutic doses, helps cells respond better to insulin and can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.” Lastly, “Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that improves insulin sensitivity and protects nerve and mitochondrial health, which is important for people with long-standing blood sugar challenges or early neuropathy symptoms.”

Gina Rivers, the national science educator at Washington-based Host Defense Mushrooms explained that traditional options are still attractive to many individuals now. “In the natural health space, there’s a lot of interest in botanicals and functional mushrooms that help support healthy glucose metabolism. Cinnamon, Gymnema sylvestre and bitter melon have long histories of traditional use and continue to be well-regarded for their supporting properties,” she said. “On the mushroom side, maitake and reishi are especially valued for their ability to support metabolic pathways while also offering benefits for immune and cardiovascular health.”

Advancements in the Blood Sugar & Metabolic Health Category

Joe Brunner, president of Endurance Products Company (EPC), a manufacturer located in Oregon, agreed that berberine tops the charts in the metabolic health and blood sugar category. However, it may not be as simple as taking a single dose. “Here’s the catch,” said Brunner, “berberine is notorious for its poor absorption, so an individual needs to take relatively high amounts to achieve any meaningful therapeutic benefits. These higher amounts often cause nausea, bloating and other digestive symptoms that are bothersome enough for many people to simply say ‘no thanks.’”

To counteract this, EPC formulators chose dihydroberberine, berberine’s more bioavailable metabolite, Brunner stated. “It’s more water-soluble, so it’s able to cross the intestinal barrier better than berberine—about five times better.” Still, it rapidly converts into berberine in the intestinal tissues, he explained, entering systemic circulation to deliver a full range of metabolic benefits. “By overcoming this absorption challenge, dihydroberberine can be recommended at a much lower dosage, which helps ensure the digestive comfort needed for long-term compliance.”

Chief of Scientific Affairs and Education, Cheryl Myers, at EuroMedica, Inc., a manufacturer in Wisconsin, concurred with Brunner regarding absorption issues. “I think that one of the most exciting advancements in supplementation is the work on absorption enhancement. For us, that innovation is GammaSorb (gamma cyclodextrin).” Gamma cyclodextrin is an oligosaccharide—a plant-based ingredient—that improves the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients by enveloping them in an open-ended microscopic structure, said Myers. “The exterior of this molecule is water soluble, which allows fat-soluble or hard-to-absorb nutrients to be much more readily absorbed.” In the case of berberine, this absorption-resistant nutrient benefits greatly from its combination with GammaSorb, Myers explained.

Rivers stated that an important advancement the company has noticed has been the growing recognition of synergy between mushroom mycelium and herbs. “For example, maitake mushroom mycelium offers unique compounds that help support glucose metabolism, while botanicals such as cinnamon and gymnema support complementary pathways like insulin sensitivity already in the normal range and sugar absorption,” she explained. “Advances in our understanding of mushrooms and botanicals have allowed us to better capture and preserve their bioactive compounds, helping to deliver consistent support. With MycoBotanicals Blood Sugar,* we’ve drawn on this research to create a balanced formulation where mushrooms and herbs work together in harmony.”*

In Illinois, Céline Torres-Moon is the senior scientist at the manufacturer, Protocol For Life Balance. She stated that GLP-1 supplements are “the hottest trend in this category” and that many companies are developing two separate lines of dietary supplements in response to the popularity of these drugs, “products that increase the production of GLP-1 for individuals that do not want to be on the drugs, cannot afford the drugs, or stopped the drug and are seeking to maintain the effect of the drugs,” stated Torres-Moon, “and products that are complementary to GLP-1 medications, which can help to fill the nutrient gaps—vitamins, protein, fibers—generated by decreased food intake.”

Deshanie Rai, PhD, FACN and professor, works with The Akkermansia Company in Delaware, stated, “Probiotics and prebiotics have typically been at the forefront of advances in the metabolic health category, but a more recent advancement emerging in the category is postbiotics.” Dr. Rai noted that according to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, “postbiotics are inanimate microorganisms—either a part or the whole—which have been tested to show a benefit. Postbiotics offer several advantages in terms of safety, stability, functionality and efficacy,” she explained.

Consumers in this Category Might be Concerned About …

Myers said that individuals concerned about safety in this or other natural supplement categories should first look for trustworthy ingredients from reputable companies. “The best manufacturers will always be ready to answer questions you have regarding sourcing, testing and any scientific or clinical research,” she said. “If the claims any company makes sound too good to be true, ask them questions and talk to a real person.”

Myers also suggests that whenever possible, look for nutrients with a proven record of success in clinical studies. Lastly, she recommends finding out about safety and compatibility with one’s conventional treatment. “I think that patients should always check in with their primary health care practitioners before adding anything to their regimens, and I’m sure most practitioners would agree.”

Dayna Dye, education content writer at the manufacturer, Life Extension (Florida), stated, “Prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity and being overweight are health concerns that prompt individuals to seek natural products that may help support healthy blood glucose levels and/or healthy weight.” Despite this, individuals may be wary when it comes to using something that hasn’t been prescribed by his or her doctor. She noted, “It is important for the consumer to select products with supportive clinical evidence provided by the manufacturers, such as clinical studies that have shown improvements in weight, glucose and related factors. It should be stressed that individuals with metabolic health concerns should continue to receive their usual health care and consult their health care providers concerning additions to their nutritional regimens.”

Torres-Moon stated that efficacy, safety, quality and affordability are concerns many individuals may have when selecting natural products for blood sugar and/or metabolic health. “Regarding efficacy, the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)—now commonly available—will rapidly show any individual if the natural product for blood glucose management has an effect on their blood glucose levels,” she said. “For metabolic health, the possibility of measuring blood lipid levels with at-home tests is another way individuals can easily measure the performance of a natural product without medical intervention. For safety and quality, purchasing dietary supplements from reputable brands is an easy way to ensure that the purchased product is safe and of high quality,” she explained. “Lastly, affordability is important for these types of products, especially those that are often taken for extended periods of time.”

“Wait, Is That Really True?” Myths and Misconceptions in This Submarket

“One of the biggest myths I encounter is the idea that blood sugar and insulin resistance can’t be improved naturally or through lifestyle changes,” Dr. Schrand stated. “That isn’t universally true; some people will still need medications, but I’ve seen many patients with prediabetes or insulin resistance significantly improve, and even normalize, their lab values with the right type of lifestyle modifications for what they have going on,” she said. “Dismissing the power of lifestyle changes does a disservice to patients who could benefit tremendously from them.” She shared an example of a patient who read the book Dr. Schrand recommends to all her patients dealing with blood sugar problems, Glucose Revolution. The patient significantly lowered her A1C levels by following the book’s suggestions, from 6.2 to 5.4 in six months, said Dr. Schrand.

Dye agreed, stating that many individuals believe that type 2 diabetes cannot be reversed. “Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are mostly diseases of modern lifestyles, and lifestyle changes can be reflected in changes in elevated glucose, weight and other factors,” she explained. “Another misconception is that nonprescription nutrients suggested for metabolic conditions are ‘snake oil’ that offer false hope. People with this misconception are unfamiliar with the significant positive findings revealed by clinical research.”

Dr. Schrand stated that she often sees an additional common myth in the blood sugar and metabolic health arena. “Another misconception is that there’s a one-size-fits-all formula for supplements and metabolic support. While I use a lot of the same supplements in my practice, what works for one person might not work for the next,” said Dr. Schrand. “Genetics, stress levels, hormone balance, sleep and even gut health all influence how someone responds to different therapies. That’s why an individualized approach is essential.”

Brunner stated that a common myth in the natural supplement market prevails. “One common misconception is that supplements that are more expensive are necessarily better. In reality, price doesn’t guarantee quality; quality is guaranteed by meeting strict current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and compliance standards,” he explained. “Price doesn’t guarantee effectiveness; that requires formulas with research-backed ingredients in therapeutic amounts. And price certainly doesn’t guarantee purity—only rigorous testing can confirm that a product is free from contaminants.”

Brunner stated that it’s important to bust this myth so that individuals can make smart choices with their health care dollars. “This is where a naturopath’s holistic approach really shines. By taking into account the whole person—their unique health goals, current conditions, lifestyle and budget—a naturopath can guide an individual toward supplements that are not only safe and effective but also sustainable over the long term,” said Brunner. “In this way, an individual can invest wisely in their health rather than overspending on a haphazard selection of products that may not deliver the results they expect.”

Rivers noted that one frequent misconception in this category is that a single ingredient will provide an immediate solution for blood sugar balance. “Metabolic health is influenced by many factors—diet, movement, stress and sleep all play essential roles,” she noted. “Supplements are best seen as supportive allies in a broader lifestyle plan. Another misconception is that natural products are somehow ‘weaker’ or less useful than conventional options. In truth, mushrooms and herbs have been studied extensively and can offer meaningful support when used consistently.”

Torres-Moon, too, noted that this is a misconception she frequently sees. “Metabolic health, including blood sugar control, has a strong genetic component; therefore, an intervention that works well for one person will not necessarily work at all for someone else,” she noted. “Even general diet and lifestyle recommendations will have vastly different effects from one individual to the next. Practitioners can use CGMs as a tool to see how each patient reacts to specific foods, supplements and physical activity, and based on the data gathered by the CGMs, tailor a personalized plan for each of their patients,” she explained.

Also, individuals should know that there are other changes typically involved, in addition to taking a supplement, noted Dr. Rai. “Ingredients and products positioned to support blood sugar levels and metabolic health are not magic bullets,” she stated. “They need to be consumed on a regular basis as per directions on the product, and should be used in combination with other lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, as well as in consultation with their medical doctor.”

New Studies, New Information

A newer focus on healthy lifestyles and how the food people eat impacts their health is something that interests Brunner. “One exciting area in metabolic health research is the growing body of evidence that diet and lifestyle alone can reverse—or at least put into remission—type 2 diabetes. It’s dogma-busting insight that’s sure to garner the attention of consumers, and more importantly, encourage them to take action,” Brunner said.

He pointed to a 2023 study where researchers analyzed data from 12 intervention trials that included nearly 4,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes. It found that those who improved their lifestyle habits through diet and physical activity for at least 12 weeks were approximately five times more likely to achieve diabetes remission compared to those who didn’t or received standard care alone.1

“Though not natural, I think it’s important to touch on how GLP-1-based therapies are reshaping metabolic care,” noted Dr. Schrand. “We’re finding that when they’re layered with the right lifestyle modifications and supportive supplements, they can drive meaningful drops in A1C and broader metabolic gains. Trials show that adding structured lifestyle work enhances outcomes: semaglutide combined with intensive behavioral therapy outperformed lifestyle alone, and a separate randomized study found liraglutide plus exercise improved weight-loss maintenance and cardiometabolic markers more than either treatment by itself.”2

Myers stated that EuroMedica is very proud of the research around normalizing blood sugar for individuals at risk of developing diabetes. “Clinical research has shown that Hintonia latiflora—the botanical and the formula we provide as Sucontral D—helped to normalize blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes,” she explained.3,4 “And as we are the only company in the United States that carries this German formula that supports healthy blood sugar balance and insulin function, I think we have something amazing to offer practitioners and patients alike.”

Rivers noted that research into mushrooms and metabolic health is expanding rapidly. “For example, a scientific review of mushroom polysaccharides highlighted how compounds from fungi like maitake (Grifola frondosa) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) can influence insulin signaling already in the normal range, support the reduction of occasional oxidative stress, and support the function of glucose metabolism in healthy individuals through multiple biological pathways,”5 she said.

Dye stated that at Life Extension, there is interest in the studies around metabolic health and the microbiome. “The relationship between metabolic health and a healthy gut microbiome, which is supported with prebiotics, probiotics and more, is an area of research that shows promise,” she said.6 She also said that the company is interested in the link between weight loss and intermittent fasting. “Research continues to support intermittent fasting as a method to maintain a healthy weight and glucose levels. The practice of intermittent fasting may be superior to calorie restriction, which, for many individuals, is more challenging to practice on a continued basis,” explained Dye.7,8

There are great options when it comes to natural health products on the market today that may help individuals struggling with blood sugar levels and metabolic health. This is good news for individuals who are working hard on lifestyle changes but require a little extra support. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

1 Zhang Y, Yang Y, Huang Q, Zhang Q, Li M, Wu Y. The effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for diabetes remission on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2023;20(1):64-78. doi:10.1111/wvn.12608.

2 Sandsdal, R. M., Juhl, C. R., Jensen, S. B. K., Lundgren, J. R., Janus, C., Blond, M. B., Rosenkilde, M., Bogh, A. F., Gliemann, L., Jens-Erik B. Jensen, Charalambos Antoniades, Signe S. Torekov, Bente M. Stallknecht, & others. Combination of exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment reduces severity of metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, and inflammation: a randomized controlled trial. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2023;22(1):41.

3 Cristians S, Guerro-Analco JA et al. Hypoglycemic activity of extracts and compounds from the leaves of Hintonia standleyana and H. Latiflora: potential alternatives to the use of stem bark of these species. Journal of Natural Products, 2009 Mr 27:72(3);4-08-13.

4 Korec R, Heniz Sensch K et al. Effects of the neoflavonoid coutareagenin, one of the antidiabetic active substances of Hintonia latiflora, on streptozotocin-indicted diabetes mellitus in rats. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000 Feb;50(2):122-8.

5 Liu, Xiaofei, Donghui Luo, Jingjing Guan, Jin Chen, and Xiaofei Xu. “Mushroom Polysaccharides with Potential in Anti-diabetes: Biological Mechanisms, Extraction, and Future Perspectives: A Review.” Frontiers in Nutrition 9, (2022): 1087826. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1087826.

6 Weninger SN, Manley A, Duca FA. Managing glucose homeostasis through the gut microbiome. Annu Rev Physiol. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-051524-094728.

7 Catenacci VA, Ostendorf DM, Pan Z et al. The effect of 4:3 intermittent fasting on weight loss at 12 months: a randomized clinical trial. Ann Intern Med. 2025 May;178(5):634-644. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-01631.

8 Dyńka D, Rodzeń Ł, Rodzeń M, et al. Intermittent fasting in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Front Nutr. 2025 Aug 18:12:1629154. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1629154.

Healthy Take Aways

• Many scientists look at waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol to determine one’s overall metabolic health.
• Berberine is often called the “natural GLP-1” because much like GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, it can improve insulin sensitivity, slow glucose absorption from the gut and support healthy appetite regulation.
• Efficacy, safety, quality and affordability are concerns many individuals may have when selecting natural products for blood sugar and/or metabolic health.