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If you live with type 2 diabetes, you probably know how challenging it can be to keep your blood sugar steady. Many people turn to supplements that claim to make this easier, and one name that’s been getting attention lately is dihydroberberine, or DHB.
You may have heard DHB described as a “next-generation” form of berberine, a plant compound that’s been studied for its effects on blood sugar and metabolism (how your body uses energy). But before adding anything new to your routine, it’s important to look closely at what researchers actually know, and what remains uncertain.
This article explains what dihydroberbine is, what the latest research shows, and what risks or interactions to keep in mind. It’s not meant to promote any product but to help you make informed choices. And remember: Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you take medication for diabetes or blood pressure.
Berberine is a plant compound whose berries are used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for digestive and metabolic health.
Modern studies suggest that berberine may help lower blood sugar, improve cholesterol, and support weight management — but there’s a key problem: It’s poorly absorbed. When you swallow regular berberine, your body can only take in a small amount before it’s broken down and excreted.
That’s why scientists began studying dihydroberberine (DHB), a metabolite of berberine. This means your gut bacteria already convert some berberine into DHB as part of digestion. Dihydroberberine, in turn, can enter your cells more easily. Once inside, it can change back into active berberine.
Because DHB skips that first conversion step, researchers believe it might be absorbed more efficiently. In fact, a 2022 study suggested that dihydroberberine may be absorbed by the body up to five times better than regular berberine.
This doesn’t automatically mean it’s better or safer, but it may explain why some supplement companies promote smaller DHB doses as being “equally effective.”
Both berberine and dihydroberberine affect your body by using energy and sugar. They are thought to activate an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
You can think of AMPK as your body’s “energy controller.” When activated, it helps your cells use sugar more efficiently for fuel. AMPK also helps your muscles take in more glucose, reduces sugar production in the liver, and may help your body burn fat more effectively.
Scientists have found that when AMPK activity increases, blood sugar levels may drop, and insulin sensitivity can improve. These effects are why both berberine and DHB are being studied as possible tools for metabolic health.
DHB (the active by-product of berberine) may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which have been studied in berberine. Since inflammation can worsen insulin resistance, this could be another reason researchers are interested in DHB.
Still, most of the evidence comes from short-term or small-scale studies. To know how meaningful these effects are in everyday life, especially for people managing diabetes long-term, we need more data from large, human clinical trials.
The good news is that some human studies have been done, although most of them involve berberine, whose results may translate to dihydroberberine as the two compounds are directly related. The not-so-good news is that there aren’t many yet specifically involving dihydroberberine.
A 2022 clinical study involving adults with metabolic issues found that participants who took berberine for 12 weeks saw improvements in fasting blood sugar (the level of sugar in the blood after not eating for several hours), cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to those taking a placebo (a fake pill with no medicine). Their insulin sensitivity also improved, suggesting these results could translate to dihydroberberine and might help cells respond better to insulin.
Another small human study in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease showed that people who took berberine every day for three months showed significant weight loss. However, these trials had fewer than 100 participants and lasted only a few months.
The studies on regular berberine — the parent compound — are more plentiful, and more data is needed regarding both berberine and dihydroberberine in humans.
Since DHB is new, scientists are still trying to find out if it works as well as or better than berberine. The early signs are good, but it’s too early to say for sure.
Just because a supplement is plant-based or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
Possible side effects from berberine and dihydroberberine include:
DHB and berberine can also interfere with liver enzymes that process other medications. This means it could affect how your body breaks down drugs for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood thinning — either increasing or reducing their effects.
Other groups who should avoid these supplements unless advised by a doctor include:
And because supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the amount of active ingredient in each product can vary widely. Some products might contain less DHB than advertised, or can be mixed with other ingredients not listed on the label.
That’s another reason to talk to your healthcare provider first. They can recommend brands with third-party testing and help you avoid unsafe combinations.
The truth is, scientists don’t yet know.
Dihydroberberine may indeed be absorbed more efficiently, but absorption doesn’t always equal effectiveness. The body’s chemistry is complex, and a compound that looks better in theory doesn’t always produce stronger results in practice.
Some experts stress that while berberine and DHB may help support healthy metabolism, they shouldn’t replace proven treatments.
Lifestyle changes like balanced eating, staying active, managing stress, and taking medications as prescribed remain the foundation of good diabetes management. Supplements may complement those efforts, but they aren’t magic pills.
Dihydroberberine is an exciting new topic in nutrition and metabolic research. Because it’s better absorbed, it may help the body use insulin more effectively and support healthy blood sugar.
However, research is still at an early stage. The studies so far have been small and short, and there’s no clear data yet on the best dosage or long-term safety. If you’re thinking of trying dihydroberberine, remember these key steps:
Managing type 2 diabetes can feel like a full-time job. It’s understandable to want extra tools to help keep your blood sugar steady. Dihydroberberine may one day become one of these tools, but right now, it’s still being studied.
The most reliable way to protect your health still remains tried and true:
If you’re curious about dihydroberberine, bring it up at your next appointment. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons, explain what’s known and unknown, and guide you toward the safest approach for your body.
On DiabetesTeam, people share their experiences with diabetes, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What have you heard about dihydroberberine or berberine? Let others know in the comments below.
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