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?
I ordered 2 months supply of glucosulin for the cost of $9.95 s&h but they set me up on a direct shipment each month for $49.95. This was a ROBOT I spoke to. I called back o cancel and they would not cancel my order, they told me that I needed to contact customer service on Monday.
They gave me a number that was disconnected. I called back and spoke to a person who called himself Daniel Evans, “the supervisor” who doesn’t have a supervisor, He was condescending and would not cancel my order. He gave me another number to call. Buyer Beware of this outfit
Just FYI…
I’ve been Type II for about 6 years now… well controlled with 2 oral meds.
My last A1C was 5.7 (from a high of 9.2) and while I WISH this product would allow me to get off meds. all together I can tell (most of) you that it’s the FIBER that does the trick. After (slowly) adding more and more FIBER into my diet is how I’m able to control my levels.
Now… IF I could just exercise (I hate it) AND lose some weight I’d be golden.
Don’t PAY someone to create a FIBER intake for you… just find food(s) high in FIBER that you enjoy.
Trish, looks like you are doing great with A1C levels! check out this interview I did with a woman who was a type II diabetic http://www.joe-cannon.com/interview-yolanda-bowles-diabetes-exercise-nutrition-cure-type-ii-diabetes/ maybe it might help for inspiration to exercise.
Shawnta & Joe – be careful about mistaking related symptoms for “cause and effect” relationships. Shawnta noted that it’s “like” the better her A1c is, the more weight she has gained. As a Type I, Shawnta, you control your body’s control of sugar. You take insulin to “cover” the food you eat; to the extent your body doesn’t burn it, it stores it (weight increases). So, if you overeat and take insulin to cover, you’ll gain weight.
Now, over time, as a diabetic ages (especially from childhood to adulthood), food needs decrease, but the patient may continue to take the same insulin dosage. As a result, the patient eats more to avoid low blood sugars; this is such a small, incremental change, it doesn’t seem to be a change at all. But as a result, weight is gained, even though blood sugar control (measured by the A1c test) is good.
The human body is a FASCINATING machine; when tinkering with the parts, it’s always good to understand their interactions. Good luck with the weight control – consider lowering your insulin dose (in small increments over time) and eating less, making changes no more often than a week at a time. Good Luck!! w.
Wayne, good points. Thanks for saying that and your right; the human body is Fascinating!
Dear Joe: after reading one of your responses, it got me curious: almost at birth, i was diagnosed with Thyroid desease, would THAT be a reason why I can’t seem to shake this weight also? Because it’s like the better my A1C is, the more weight I have put on!!!! Also, my sugars are more LOW (more before I got on Glucosulin) than they ever are high. Just curious
Shawnta, yes an under active thyroid can lead to inability to lose weight. When did you last talk to your doctor about checking your TSH level?
I’m not sure why your weight goes up as your A1c goes down. I’d think the opposite would happen. Ask your doctor about this and see what he/she thinks. Since glucosulin has fiber, I can see how that might help lower your blood sugar.
Hi Joe, I have been using the Glucosulin pills for the past 2 months, and although I have tried NUMEROUS things to get rid of this weight that I gained after my second son that just decided it was going NOWHERE it has been working for me!!! Although EVERYTHING that you put on here, I found to be very true. I am only speaking from my experience though! I am a type one, and it has not affected my diabetes at all!!! I am however a “brittle diabetic” I was born with diabetes, and I am 30, AND I have had 2 kids.
A few months after my second son, I noticed no matter WHAT I did, the weight would not go ANYWHERE. I at first tried Hydroxycut, no winner for me is all I will say, full bottle STILL sitting on the counter, tried Bender Ball Method, again, nothing for me. But this seemed to work. I cannot afford the pills right now, which I am VERY upset, because you know when you stop in the middle of a diet, then you gain it all back. Once my funds are better, I WILL order me like 6 months of the bottles, and I WILL lose this 30 lbs!!!!!
Shawnta, I’m glad you have found something that will work for you but do try to do some exercise like walking to help keep the weight off and help your diabetes too.
Just wanted to let anyone who wanted to know, I bought the wonderful product known as “Glucosulin”. Did it work, you ask? NO! As a matter of fact, I have gained 5 lbs., so I am going to send it back and get my money back. I will lose weight the old fashioned way, hard work and determination. Thanks, Marie
This company is ripping us off! I ordered over the phone…and the costumor service is HORRIBLE…THEY ARE RUDE!
Dear Joe, I saw my first commercial for Glucosulin today and was thrilled. When I checked it out on Google, I brought up your web site. Your research makes perfect sense. I am a cancer survivor. When taking chemo (rituxan/CHOP) my blood sugars were out of control. I was switched from oral meds to insulin and began to gain weight. The idea of an easy fix is of course encouraging. I appreciate your input and will just do what I know will work…eat less and exercise more. AND, work at will power. Marjorie
Majorie, congratulations on beating cancer!!!!!! I’m really glad you did 🙂
I am so glad I read reveiw before ordering this product. I have had gastric bypass surgery and the thought of this expanding before it gets in the stomach sounds like it could be a real problem.
Doodle, oh my goodness you are right! That would be a terrible thing for you! I’m glad you found my website before you ordered!!
what type of gelatin used to make this is medication? is this vegetarian or not.
Jeff, I’m not sure. I would call the Glucosulin company and ask them. I’m sure they know.
Joe,
Thanks for your frank and informative review!
I self-diagnosed my type II diabetes about 3 years ago, and immediately found a doctor to work with. I’m overweight, but was stable for 10 years, maintaining a active lifestyle. I had an auto accident, and lost my ability to stay active shortly before my diagnosis. Since the diagnosis, my weight is climbing, but my A1c is very good… so I’ve not lost the battle yet.
Your readers comments combined with your answers have helped reinforce what my doctor has been trying to tell me for years… So while you have no “new” info, you are helping tremendously… So thanks!
George, thanks for saying that! I’m glad I can help and really glad to hear about your A1c level 🙂
Hi,
Angie, call your credit card company NOW! Tell them you have not received the product, you believe you are dealing with a company who is known for their scamming tricks with credit cards & ask that they DENY ANY CHARGES this company submits to your credit card for payment. Next contact the company and tell them that you have not received your product in a timely manner but what you have received is nothing but an unending onslaught from their numerous & annoying “partners”!
BE PREPARED for the “slinging of the bull” which will immediately commence as soon as you get the words out of your mouth (quite possibly BEFORE you’ve even gotten them all out) to hear them tell it you are now speaking to your new best friend who want’s nothing but the best for you & would honestly tell you if there was any danger what so ever to taking this medication & that it works so well you’ll want to rent a billboard on the largest major highway in your area so everyone will know about this little gem of a pill!! Don’t listen to a word of it.
Tell them they are wasting their time with all that talk & your mind is made-up, they will not get a conversion from your call so please just do as you are requesting & move on & maybe the next sucker (eh, person!) they speak with could be their next conversion.
Make sure to get the name of the person you are speaking with as well as the time and date of your call. I like to tell them my mind is made-up so please do as I request etc., etc., & then just stop talking when they start in on their little soliloquy. Just let ’em talk, after a while they’ll stop & say something like: are you still there, sir/madam? Just say yes & repeat that you would appreciate if they would do as you requested etc., etc., when they can spare a moment from their litany.
Some will continue on as if you hadn’t even answered however, I’ve never had anyone go for three times, even the pushiest of the pushy realize it takes two to argue & considering it appears to them that you have all the time in the world & the fact that you can not argue with yourself (well, at least if you’ve a modicum of sanity) they will eventually either hang-up on you or more likely, do what you requested in the beginning!
My apology for my slightly verbose post, I hope I haven’t given anyone “readers cramp”. I’ve had a bit of experience with this kind of thing because my sister is mentally retarded & has an IQ of 60 to 70 I believe. She watches a little too much TV which is a problem when my mother isn’t around because when some company or other who has an ad running for this or that & when they say call right NOW, she DOES! This has gotten really out of control around ‘Labor Day’ when Jerry Lewis does his telethon for MS.
It’s a wonderful cause & my sister has a good heart because she calls them over & over with pledges of anywhere between $5.00 & $100.00. Thankfully, they really are wonderful caring people because there were no bad feelings when I called them to explain what was happening & could we just call it a $100.00 donation & not accept any other pledges by my sister which unfortunately they are unable to do so every year my mother or I call them, say happy holiday & sorry bout my sister you need to write off such & such amount of money.
Good luck to you, now go give ’em a piece of your mind!
Maegi
PS Joe, just want to say I’ve really been enjoying reading your post and replies. Guess I’m a bit disappointed there’s an end. The time and effort you put into your review’s is obvious and a good number of people really do benefit from it. God Bless!
Maegi
Maegi, thanks for sharing your expertise on how to handle this! I know everybody really appreciates you taking the time to say all that. I’m also glad you’ve had good experiences with the Jerry Lewis Telephone. It sounds like your sister is an amazing and generous person too 🙂
I appreciate your approach to reviewing this supplement. You were un-biased and informative. I have a somewhat biased statement of my own (which I must preface by saying I know this is not Glucosulin’s site, thus I am aware nothing can be done by you or your readers). But, as someone lured in by the t.v. ad claims, I feel like the hyena treading water while my “wounded duck” dinner flits away.
I ordered the supplement over a month ago and have since received all sorts of materials from their “partners” and nary a single bottle of my “free trial” product. I now approach the billing cycle described in your “Buyer Beware” paragraph… just saying… I’m outside the calling hours but I’m getting scared! Any words from someone who’s purchased this before I try again in the morning? Thanks so much!
Hi Angie, I would keep trying to call glucosulin and try to stop any auto-billing if that is something you signed up for (even if you did not think you were – mention it). Many times, companies collect information on people so they can sell those lists to others – the “partners” – this is another way that companies can make money. I often look on websites for a statement that they do not share or sell my information before I decide to give them info about me. I looked on the glucosulin website and their contact info is :
800-928-1960
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm EST
Sat: 9am-1pm EST
I hope that helps Angie. Please do let me know what happens. Does anybody else have any help about how Angie can handle this?
Joe
Here is another warning about this supplement. My father has type II and a heart condition. He has his blood checked regularly and it mysteriously started testing dangerously thin. We finally found that he had ordered the Glucosulin and had been taking it. I’m sure it may have reacted to some medication, but it was at a critical level when we discovered it. Once discontinuing the Gulcosulin for many days, his levels began to return normal. Please, please, if you take any medication at all, please contact your doctor.
Teresa, thanks for mentioning that and yes I agree 100% always tell the doctor about the supplements. The supplement-blood thinner drug interaction is the most common thing I hear about. Many supplements that we have heard about are natural blood thinners. I hope your dad is doing well now.
Very good comments. I enjoy reading them.
Well done!
What does one do if one has insulin resistance. I’ve just been put on insulin after being on glyberide for 7 years. Even with glyberide, I had insulin resistance. I watch what I eat (I went through the ‘Pritikin Center’ in California) and still cannot lose weight. It’s worse now that I’m on insulin.
S.K.
Sylvia, insulin resistance is caused when you make insulin but your body can’t use it, or use enough of it to meet your needs. In other words, the body is “resistant” to the effects of insulin. Generally the way to reverse insulin resistance is to do some exercise and lose some weight. Even a little exercise and weight loss might do the trick.
Ive written a few times about type II diabetes (what is what insulin resistance can lead to) on my other website here is a link http://www.joe-cannon.com/can-type-ii-diabetes-be-cured/ do read though that also.
You did not say if you were doing any physical activity. If not, and you are able to, taking just a short walk each day can help. Have you talked to your doctor about how exercise can help your insulin resistance/type II diabetes? If not, please do. Exercise can help insulin resistance even if you do not lose weight.
Have you consulted with a dietitian about trying to lose weight? They might be able to see what you can do to help your weight loss efforts. Generally you may not be losing weight because you are still eating more calories than your body needs but also ask your doctor if he/she has ever tested your thyroid. If you are not making enough thyroid hormone, this can decrease your ability to lose weight. A simple “TSH Test” might tell the doctor how well your thyroid is working.
I hope some of this helps Sylvia. I really like that you asked this question. If you have any other questions feel free to leave comments after the post I linked to and we can talk more about that at my other site and I can try to see how I can help you more.
Merry Christmas Sylvia!
After taking this supplement for a couple of weeks, my wife’s sugar levels were up to 450 from the 223 that it was before that. Definitely a big waste of money and not worth getting at all. Also a pain to get the refund and get the automatic shipments stopped.
My lady friend tried Glucosulin for 30 days. In that time, she gained 7 pounds and experienced almost continuous abdominal pain. They also engage in unethical marketing practices. The only recommendation I can make is to avoid this product completely, and to save yourself the expense and headaches from dealing with these people.
I have appealed to the NY and ME Attorney Generals to investigate this company.