Blood Sugar Stabilization & Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetics & insulin-resistant individuals managing glycemia.
Insulin Edge Optimization
Advanced ID: bloodsugar-advanced-003
Note: Every protocol follows the "low and slow" principle. Don't add everything at once. Start with one element, observe how your body reacts, and layer gradually. Everyone's system is unique—build up at your own pace.
Overview
Enhance insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and metabolic resilience in advanced users using a peptide-forward, precision approach.
Rx Components
- Tesofensine – 0.25 mg every morning
- GLP-1 RA (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide) – Titrate from 0.25 mg/week
- Metformin ER – 500 mg, twice daily
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) – 300 mg before carb meals
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine – 500 mg morning + 500 mg pre-exercise
- Berberine – 500 mg, 2–3x/day in non-GLP-1 users
- Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) – 2 g/day combined
Targeted Integration
| Role | Type | Components | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack Integration | Carbohydrate Partitioning & Nutrient Timing |
| Align supplement and peptide timing with low-GI carb intake and refeed windows to optimize insulin dynamics and mitochondrial efficiency. |
| Cycle Management | Glucose Disposal & Hormonal Modulation |
| Stack glucose disposal agents with dopaminergic tone to enhance both fasting glucose control and neuro-metabolic synergy. |
Administration
- Tesofensine in morning before food
- GLP-1: inject subQ weekly, titrate up as tolerated
- Metformin with meals to reduce GI discomfort
- ALA with highest-carb meal
- L-Carnitine split AM and pre-exercise for mitochondrial oxidation boost
- Berberine on empty stomach pre-meals (skip if on GLP-1)
Mechanism of Action
- Tesofensine inhibits reuptake of dopamine, NE, and serotonin—improves appetite control & BMR
- GLP-1 RAs enhance insulin secretion, reduce glucagon, slow gastric emptying
- Metformin suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases insulin sensitivity
- ALA recycles antioxidants, improves insulin response, supports nerve health
- Carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation
- Berberine activates AMPK and improves gut-liver glucose axis
Cycle & Duration
- GLP-1 and Tesofensine: 12–16 week cycle with 4-week washout
- Metformin: long-term safe if well-tolerated
- ALA & Carnitine: rotate every 8–12 weeks
Synergies & Stack Partners
- Infrared sauna + fasted cardio for insulin sensitization
- Low-carb high-protein breakfast to blunt PPG curve
- Evening refeed meals for leptin & thyroid axis support
Contraindications & Side Effects
- Tesofensine may raise heart rate or BP—monitor vitals
- GLP-1 RAs may cause nausea or appetite suppression beyond comfort
- Metformin can impair B12—monitor levels annually
- ALA may cause metallic taste or drop blood sugar too low when stacked
Monitoring
- Track FG, HbA1c, CGM trends
- Monitor HR, BP (for Tesofensine safety)
- Assess mood, sleep, and body comp monthly
- Lipid profile and liver function every 3–4 months
References
- Astrup, A. et al. (2008). Tesofensine in obesity. Lancet.
- Taylor, S. I. (2019). GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med.
- Rena, G. et al. (2017). Metformin mechanisms. Cell Metab.
- Packer, L. (1995). Alpha-lipoic acid in metabolic disease. Free Rad Biol Med.
- Derosa, G. et al. (2012). Berberine clinical use. Metabolism.
Blood Sugar Foundation
Beginner ID: bsspd-beginner-001
Note: Every protocol follows the "low and slow" principle. Don't add everything at once. Start with one element, observe how your body reacts, and layer gradually. Everyone's system is unique—build up at your own pace.
Overview
Stabilize postprandial glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and build metabolic awareness for pre-diabetic and insulin-resistant individuals starting lifestyle intervention.
Rx Components
- Berberine HCl – 500 mg with major meals
- Magnesium Glycinate – 200–300 mg in the evening
- Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA preferred) – 300 mg twice daily
- Ceylon Cinnamon Extract – 500 mg with breakfast
- Electrolyte Mix – low-sugar, daily
Administration
- Berberine before or with carb-rich meals
- ALA 30 minutes before meals (or with Berberine)
- Magnesium at night for improved insulin sensitivity and sleep
- Cinnamon with meals for digestive and glucose control support
- Electrolytes post-exercise or during fasting periods
Mechanism of Action
- Berberine activates AMPK, mimicking metformin-like effects
- ALA improves insulin signaling and glucose uptake in muscles
- Magnesium is critical for insulin receptor function
- Cinnamon may improve insulin receptor sensitivity and slow gastric emptying
Cycle & Duration
- 12 weeks minimum for baseline improvement
- Assess HbA1c and fasting glucose after 3 months
Synergies & Stack Partners
- Low-GI Mediterranean or Whole30 diet with controlled carb intake
- 30–60 mins daily walking, especially post-meal
- Intermittent Fasting (14:10 or 16:8) can support glucose clearance
Contraindications & Side Effects
- Berberine may cause GI distress in sensitive individuals
- ALA may lower blood sugar too much if used with other glucose-lowering agents
- Cinnamon overdose can harm liver—avoid Cassia
Monitoring
- Track fasting glucose and postprandial spikes using CGM or glucometer
- Optional: HbA1c every 90 days
- Subjective energy levels, cravings, and mood tracking
References
- Yin, J. et al. (2008). Efficacy of berberine in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism.
- Jacob, S. et al. (1999). Oral administration of ALA improves insulin sensitivity. Free Radic Biol Med.
- Hruby, A. et al. (2014). Magnesium intake and risk of metabolic syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr.
- Ranasinghe, P. et al. (2012). Medicinal properties of 'true' cinnamon. BMC Complement Altern Med.
Glycemic Reset
Intermediate ID: bsspd-intermediate-002
Note: Every protocol follows the "low and slow" principle. Don't add everything at once. Start with one element, observe how your body reacts, and layer gradually. Everyone's system is unique—build up at your own pace.
Overview
Improve metabolic flexibility, support insulin signaling, and reduce glycemic variability in insulin-resistant individuals without overt diabetes.
Rx Components
- Semaglutide (off-label) – 0.25–0.5 mg weekly
- Inositol (Myo:Chiro in 4:1 ratio) – 2.5g/day
- Astaxanthin – 8–12 mg/day
- Magnesium Malate – 300–400 mg/day
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp in water pre-meal
Targeted Integration
| Role | Type | Components | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incretin mimetic support | off-label |
| Enhances insulin secretion, delays gastric emptying, and improves satiety. |
| Insulin sensitivity booster | supplement |
| Improves insulin sensitivity and ovulatory function, often used in PCOS. |
| Lipid-glucose crossover enhancer | supplement |
| Improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative glucose stress. |
Administration
- Semaglutide subQ once weekly (with medical supervision)
- Inositol in divided doses with meals
- Astaxanthin with a fat-rich lunch or dinner
- Magnesium post-workout or before bed
- ACV 10 minutes before largest carb-heavy meal
Mechanism of Action
- Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin secretion and slow digestion
- Inositol improves insulin signal transduction
- Astaxanthin reduces glucose-induced oxidative stress and supports mitochondrial health
Cycle & Duration
- 12-week cycle with monthly check-ins
- Reduce semaglutide if experiencing nausea or delayed gastric emptying
Synergies & Stack Partners
- Protein-first meal sequencing
- Strength training 3x/week to drive GLUT-4 expression
- Meal timing aligned to circadian rhythm (daytime feeding window)
Contraindications & Side Effects
- Semaglutide may cause nausea, constipation, or delayed gastric emptying
- Excessive ACV can affect tooth enamel and potassium levels
- Inositol may cause mild GI symptoms at higher doses
Monitoring
- Track 1-hour and 2-hour post-meal glucose
- Lipid panel and CRP after 12 weeks
- Body composition and waist circumference
References
- Davies, M. J. et al. (2015). Semaglutide once weekly in type 2 diabetes. Lancet.
- Costantino, D. et al. (2009). Inositol in insulin resistance and PCOS. Gynecol Endocrinol.
- Park, J. S. et al. (2010). Astaxanthin and metabolic health. Nutr Metab (Lond).