Glucosulin sounds like a diabetes drug but it’s really a weight loss supplement. According to the products website, Glucosulin works by reducing how much you eat as well as slowing the absorption of sugar (glucose) into the blood stream. Sounds interesting but does it work? What I want to do is review the research on the ingredients in Glucosulin and see what we can discover.
Glucosulin research
From what I can gather from the product website – glucosulin.com – the supplement itself appears to have no published peer reviewed research. I say this because the website shows no research on glucusulin itself. Also, when I searched the National Library of Medicine for “Glucosulin” no relevant studies showed up either. Therefore, the only way to understand this product is to look at the research on its ingredients.
Glucosulin Ingredients
- Glucomannan (Konjac Root)
- Sodium Alginate
- Xanthum Gum
- Mulberry Extract
- Gymnema Slyvestre
- Chromium Picolinate
Let’s now review the evidence for each ingredient.
Glucomannan
This is a type of fiber. One of the ways that fiber helps weight loss is by making people feel full. Glucomannan does this also by expanding in size greatly when it comes in contact with water. In this way, glucomannan stretches the stomach, making you feel like you are full. Because of this property, glucomannan tablets should be used with caution because there are several cases where glucomannan tablets swelled in size while in the esophagus.
Glucomannan capsules may have a reduced chance of this happening but to be safe put one in water to see how fast it expands in size. Here is a product that is a glucomannan powder that people can mix with liquids.
There are also a few studies on glucomannan helping weight loss and this is likely one of the main reasons it's included in this product.
While not all studies show glucomannan effective for weight loss, the logic is sound: trick the brain into thinking the stomach is full and people eat less.
Other research suggests that glucomannan can modestly reduce cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and lower blood sugar in diabetics.
Diabetics should remember that glucomannan may interact with their diabetes drugs so run this by your doctor if your a diabetic.
Sodium Alginate (also called Align)
This is derived from seaweed and is an additive used to make foods thicker. Because it is thought to be indigestible, it makes sense that it would be used in a weight loss product. In other words, like glucomannan, it takes up space in the stomach without giving any nutritional calories. Also like glucomannan, Align may also modestly lower cholesterol in some people. I could not locate any published peer reviewed studies that sodium alginate helps weight loss in humans.
Xanthum Gum
This is another type of food additive frequently showing up in salad dressings and ice cream. It is also sometimes used as a laxative. Xanthum gum also has a blood sugar lowering effect and as such may interact with medications for diabetes. There are no published peer reviewed studies that xanthum gum helps weight loss.
Because xanthum gum can be derived from several foods including wheat, soy or corn, those who are sensitive to these foods should contact the company first to determine where their xanthum gum comes from.
Mulberry Extract
is also used as a laxative due to its fiber content. In theory mulberry may lower blood sugar levels and/or interact with diabetic medications. There are no published peer reviewed studies on mulberry helping weight loss.
Gymnema Slyvestre
This ingredient also may lower blood sugar levels and interact with diabetic medications. There is no published peer reviewed research on gymnema slyestre helping weight loss.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium frequently shows up in weight loss supplements despite a deluge of evidence that it does not work. Because chromium does appear to have a blood sugar lowering effect, it also sometimes is marketed to those with type II diabetes. For more info, also see my review of chromium.
As with other ingredients mentioned, chromium can interact with diabetic medications including insulin and oral medications like glucophage (metformin) .
Glucosulin Weight Loss Summary
Ingredients that may help weight loss
- Glucomannan (Konjac Root)
- Sodium Alginate (in theory)
Ingredients that lower blood sugar
- Glucomannan (Konjac Root)
- Xanthum Gum
- Mulberry Extract 30:1 Ratio
- Gymnema Slyvestre
- Chromium Picolinate
Of all the ingredients in Glucosulin most of the weight loss research is on only one substance – glucomannan. Here is glucomann on Amazon for those who want to compare prices.
Because of a possible significant blood sugar lowering effect (in diabetics especially), I honestly do not like the name, Glucosulin. It sounds like a diabetes drug (which it is not!). The product appears to be at least partially based on the idea that lowering blood sugar causes weight loss – which is not true. Reducing calories causes weight loss. Because of this fact, I come to the conclusion that it is Glucomannan (Konjac Root) that is the active ingredient in Glucosulin.
Who makes Glucosulin?
The product website – Glucosulin.com – does not readily list any company name or contact email or phone number that I can locate by looking at the main page. Upon looking at the bottom of the page, at the “Terms and Conditions” page, I see a reference to “Health Resource.” I assume this may be the company in charge of Glucosulin? According to the Better Business Bureau File Health Research is located at 650 N Rose Dr #136, Placentia, CA 92870. If you Google this address, you'll see it appears to be a shopping center. I dont think this is where they make Glucosulin. The BBB file givies Glucusulin a rating of “F” as of 4/20/14. Check the file for updates as ratings sometimes change quickly.
At the Terms and Conditions page I also found a customer support number of 888-237-7172. Interestingly, when I called this number, the person answered “Colon Flow” another supplement that I have reviewed previously.
The customer service person I spoke with told me that Natural Health Network LLC is the company behind Glucosulin. This company is located at 2500 E Imperial Hwy Ste 201-273, Brea, CA 92821. According to the Google link, this appears to be some type of shopping center . Notice that this is a different address than the BBB listed.
How to contact Glucosulin
In the Terms and Conditions page of Glucosulin.com, they list a customer service number of 888 237 7172. The Better Business Bureau also lists 800 252 3314 as a contact number.
Will Glucosulin Work?
Fiber can help people lose weight. Because glucosulin has glucomannan which is a fiber, it makes sense that this product may work for some people. But will glucamannan work better than other fibers – like those in fruits and vegetables? That is the question people should ask themselves.
Here is Glucosulin and glucomannan powder on Amazon for those who want to compare prices. There are also glucomman capsules for those who don't like the powders.
Buyer Beware
A one month supply of Glucosulin costs about $50 according to the product website. That is a lot of money for a fiber supplement. Compare that to glucoamman which I feel is the active ingredient in tis product. There is a “free 30 trial” available on the Glucosulin website but, if you choose this option, you will automatically be sent a new 60 day supply every 60 days at a cost of $39.98 per bottle. In addition, your credit card will also be charged $ 7.80 for shipping and handling. Also this option does not allow you to return the product if you do not like it. These terms are stated clearly on the Glucosulin website. Here is Glucosulin on Amazon for those who want to compare prices and dont want to deal with the auto-ship program.
What do you think?
D.Larsen says
Thanks for the review. I saw the ad on TV and thought that it seemed, as usual, too good to be true. I am type II diabetic, diet controlled now, and have lost 80 pounds by learning to pay attention to one thing: stop eating when I am full, not when the food is gone. And don’t eat it if it doesn’t taste good, either.
I was always raised to clean my plate, and that more was better. It’s a hard cycle to break. I still have weight to lose, and exercise is hard because of neuropathy, but life is a lot better with that 80 pounds gone, and the plus sizes gone to Goodwill! Thanks again.
Joe says
D, excellent progress!!!! losing 80 pounds is fantastic!! 🙂
Barb says
Mr.Cannon,
Thank you so much for the information–My husband & I keep seeing the TV commercials for Glucosulin & knowing how hard it is for me & all diabetics to lose, we wondered if it worked -it definitely leads one to believe it is made for diabetics. Thanks to your report & others comments I’ll not be ordering!
I’ve had Type 2 diabetes for 10 years and believe me I know how hard it is to lose weight.(was always petite before the diabetes) I had a bowel re-section 6months ago (8 lb pre-malignant tumor) which gave me the incentive to keep losing, so far 18lbs & 3 pant sizes..but I remember my doctor telling me way back-eat 300 calories less per day & increase exercise by 300 calories it took me 10 yrs. & my second cancer scare -beat cancer @ 25 now I’m 62, moral of the story not only listen to your doctor but obey.
How am I losing,I almost gave up when I came out of hospital weighing more than when I went in, but seeing the bottom half of my apple figure almost gone I wanted to keep going. It’s a struggle every day- #1 don’t berate yourself if you can’t do it every day-just don’t let it go beyond 2 days-#2 start out small, eat healthier & smaller portions more often. I don’t deprive myself, but my biggest weight loss was when I quit diet soda 6-8 per day & went to water. UGH! IT WORKED FOR ME SLOW BUT SURE I HOPE IT WORKS FOR YOU.
Joe says
Barb, very happy to hear about weight loss and that you beat cancer!!!! It sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to do – and I agree with your doctor – cutting back 300 calories and burning 300 calories with exercise. I am glad my little review could help in some small way. Let me know if I can help further – and call me Joe! Nobody calls me “Mr” anything 😉
Loli10 says
Joe, thanks for sharing. Exercise is the right course but very difficult to maintain. I spend 8 hours a day at work and then 3 hours daily commuting to and from. By the time I get home, I don’t want to do anything at all. Started walking at lunch and eating a higher fiber low fat diet. It does keep me full longer and I eat less. I also cut out the red meat, rice and potatoes. Still not losing like I’d like, but I’m not gaining either. Thanks for the honest product reviews.
Joe says
Loli10, my pleasure glad to help. Try also eating some lean protein. it will also help keep you full stabilize your blood sugar. I understand how hard it can be to exercise esp when you work full time. I love the idea of walking at lunch! Its a great idea 🙂
Tim Lentz says
About a year ago I finished doing a research study for a new diabetic drug. During the trials of taking it, I lost 50 pounds and did nothing extra. This drug will never go to market because it works too well.
Ken Lange says
Search for Glucosolin scam and read the horror stories about people being bullied and ripped-off after they try to get their money back or stop credit card charges. Glucosolin, like many Cable TV advertising products are a rip-off. Look at their ad and seeing how cheap and crappy the production is. It’s the first tip that these people are not quality conscious. And the claims are absurd. Lots of “advertising mills” are trolling for fast buck on Cable TV and Glucosolin is a gold-mine for them. Their phone support people are trained to up sell and intimidate you. The Cable carriers really should ban this company along with some others (Like Patrick Cox from Taxmasters) – wake up folks – many of the products you see advertised on Cable are only made to rip you off. Consult a doctor or an expert before you buy anything you see on a Cable RV ad!
Diana Huff says
I too am a Type I diabetic for 39 years now. I have increasingly gained weight over the past few years. My doctor told me it is the insulin making me gain the weight. I ordered Glucosulin as a free trial offer.
When I received my bank statement the company had taken $99 out of my account. Needless to say I was not happy. They are a rip off. I asked if I could return the bottle and they told me I could not. KISS A DIABETIC. IT’S THE ONLY SUGAR THEY GET!!!!!!!!
Joe says
Diana wow! I hope you dispute this charge with your credit card company.
Rafe says
Rae – I suggest you take a look at PBS broadcast of Joel Fuhrman’s way of eating. He believes that eating “right” (see his presentation) will allow your body to lose weight naturally. I have no reason to believe his method will work other than it is the only plan I can believe in.
liz says
i just ordered glucosulin so does it work or not thats all i need to know
Rae says
My thyroid is out and I am on synthroid and I am a type I diabetic. I mainly eat fruit and veggies and maybe on meL a day. I am fairly active and I can’t seem to lose weight. What is your suggestion.
Joe says
Rae, have you tried eating a little extra protein with each meal? Protein does help us burn a few extra calories. Hopefully you are doing some type of exercise as well -walking etc as this will help also.
ruth says
i ordered your stuff and the dr.does not want us to use it i have 2 bottles unopened i called to cancel it but was told i had already been charged for it today my bank took out 98 cent out of my account why and what can i do with the unopened bottles can i get a refund
Joe says
Ruth, I am not the person who sells glucosulin. you probalby emailed me by mistake since my glucosulin review shows up in google higher than the glucosulin website (I’m sure they love that!) . No worries. I have emailed you privately about this also. You are not the first to accidentally email me about this 😉
Rose says
Well I ordered this product and during the trial period that it gives you I did not loose any weight, on the other hand I was more hungry more often.
Called to cancelled and was told i probably needed to raise the dose to 3 pills 3 times a day and of course got got convinced to not cancel at that time.
Well after reading here not sure if this will work. I am 36 yrs old and weighing 230 lbs, please if any of you have good advice I need it. I need to know what foods are better to loose weight and so forth.
Joe says
Rose, for the most part weight loss is about just eating a little more than usual. What I would suggest is that when you do eat, use smaller plates (use coffee saucers) because research shows this helps weight loss. when you eat, always have a little protein. This helps you stay fuller longer and your body works a little harder to process the protein (so it helps you burn calories!).
Remember that you are still burning calories when you are not working out. In fact you use the most calories when you are not working out , but exercise does help you use a few more calories.
when you do eat, have water or diet soda rather than regular soda. this helps you cut down on calories also. Because veggies have almost no calories, you can eat more of these.
Adrienne Bevington says
Hi.I have been a type 1 diabetic for 25 years.I’m now 35 and I have under active thyroid issues which has caused me to gain weight,a lot of it.
I try to exercise everyday by walking or working out. I’ve been trying to eat better food and not so much of it,but I still have to take insulin which packs the weight on.
Well,to make a long story short,I’m on a new diet,and still trying to get around outside,but my back and knees and hips hurt so bad,sometimes I cry for making an effort.I’m glad I checked this website out. There IS NO magic pill to help you lose weight.At least not for me.I was going to call my doctor about this but now I know what they’ll say about it.They’ll say no way!But at least I know the truth about this drug and I won’t even consider getting it now!
Joe says
Hi Adrienne, I’m really sorry to hear about the pain you are having when you walk. Have you considered getting a recumbent bike for your home? This will take the stress off of your knees and back and still let you move. This will strengthen your muscles and make it easier eventually to walk.
There are some really nice recumbent bikes at Sears and if cost is not an issue, fitness stores like Leisure Fitness and Gym Source. If you dont have room for a bike (they dont take up much space) another option is a “UBE“., this stands for Upper Body Ergometer. Basically you sit in it and exercise by using your arms (think about a bike upside down and you use your arms to rotate the pedals). This will also give you a great workout that does not use your legs at all.
If that is not possible I know that YMCAs and other gyms have recumbent bikes (and UBEs) so if possible check that out if there is a gym close to you. call them and ask “do you have recumbent bikes” and “do you have UBEs”.
Another option is exercise in the water. If there is a gym near you that has a pool I do suggest you check this out. In my former life, I used to manage many exercise classes and several of them were pool exercise classes. The people in those classes loved working out together and it was a very friendly environment.
Adrienne, I know it hurts to move and I really can feel that pain you experience. I also know that getting some activity – even a little – will help your weight and your health. I hope some of this helps Adrienne. I will say a prayer for you.
Joe says
David, I went to your website and see that you are a monivie distributor. when I went to your monivie website I could not discover what the ingredients in Monivia RVL was.
Would you be willing to give me samples of Monivie RVL shake and pills so I can review them on this site?
As you may know I have already reviewed Monivie essential and I would be willing to review the Monivie weight loss /diabetes product also.
You said you were a diabetic? Type I or Type II? If you are a type II, I take it that monivie RVL did not cure your type II diabetes. Am I correct?
When you said glucosulin was “not an enjoyable way to lose weight”, my question is, did you lose weight on glucosulin? Was was bad about glucosulin?
David S says
I tried Glucosulin and it acts as a laxative to me, which is NOT an enjoyable way to lose weight! As a diabetic I am very aware of what I take to lose weight and I started taking RVL by a company called MonaVie. I have found it to be a great way to lose weight and they have peer review studies on it for blood sugar levels for diabetics. I would highly recommend it as a superior alternative to Glucosulin, which just makes you run to the toilet after every meal!
Joe says
Hi Delores, I think the main ingredient in Glucosulin is Glucomannan (sometimes called konjac root in other supplements). There are cheaper ways to get this fiber (Im sure health food stores have it). That said, I dont know if this is something you need or not.
I may be wrong but did you ever have your thyroid levels checked? Your doctor will do this by measuring “TSH”. So getting the ‘TSH test’ can tell the doctor if you are hypothyroid. If you are hypothyroid, this will explain why you say you gain weight eating only 2x per day. Again Im not sure I’m just mentioning it just in case.
as for exercise do you have access to a pool. many health clubs have pool exercise classes that can help you get activity that does not make your arthritis or fibroblast worse. This will also help your type II diabetes. Remember that type II diabetes can be cured if you lose a little weight and do some physical activity (like pool exercise).
for your fibromyalgia have you ever tried the supplement called ribose? no guarantees but I am intrigued with what little research is out there on ribose helping fibromyalgia pain. here is something I wrote about the ribose fibromyalgia research
https://supplementclarity.com/ribose-fibromyalgia-corvalen-review/
if done correctly, exercise can help your arthritis, type II diabetes and fibromyalgia. that’s why I mentioned water exercise. it might be the overall best for you at this time.
Dolores Garcia says
As I was reading all the comment before I purchase this medication I come realize that it may not work for me. i have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, MS, Fibromyalgia, Vertigo and Spine Arthristes, I can’t lose the weight but I can sure gain it. It’s hard for me to exercise due to my Fibro, Ms and Art. I eat 2 meals a day and still gain weight I am about 30 lbs. over weight, should I try it? What do you think?
Joe says
Rozy thanks much I appreciate you saying that and am glad I am able to help 🙂
rozy says
Hi Joe,
Thanx alot for you frank reviews n for just taking your time writing them n replying to comments. i love reading every thing from the reviews to comment. since i discovered your website,i always check to see the product review before thinking about buying it. i also wld like to lose about 30lbs n after trying a couple of shortcuts (hydroxycut, sensa, lipozene) which didn’t work at all, they just made me sick i decided to stick with old school way-portion control+exercise+lots of veggies n sleep
Joe says
I did email Darlene personally after she left her comment. I thought everyone should know about the problems she was having with the glucosulin company and I do hope they helped her.
Crystal, I think I get so many emails by people thinking I am the company because when I google Glucosulin, my review often shows up as #1 – even above the glucosulin website.
Crystal Ball says
Why do people keep writing on here like this is the Glucosulin company’s website? Anyways, thank you for the informative review. I seen the commercial for this on tv and was curious of the ingredients. I have bought Konjac root supplements before but they make me feel very bloated.