Benefits of Chromium for Insulin Resistance
There have been many studies on the positive effects of chromium supplements for decades but the first published study on chromium supplements alleviating diabetic symptoms has been published since the late 70s.
Chromium is essential in the body’s health as it has its part in energy production utilizing carbohydrates, protein and fat form the body. According to several studies, chromium causes insulin to function more effectively in the body. Insulin is what creates energy from glucose (blood sugar).
Insulin is a hormone that causes most of the body’s cells to take glucose from the blood (as well as from liver, muscle and fat tissue cells) and storing the glucose in the liver and muscle as glycogen.
When insulin is low (or absent), glucose is not taken by the body cells and thus uses fat as a primary energy source. When there is no control of insulin, diabetes mellitus can occur.
Patients with Type 1 diabetes depend on insulin because the body is no longer producing the hormone. Type 2 diabetes is when the body is insulin resistant or production of insulin is low.
Diabetes affects millions of people and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. So, it’s very important for diabetics to be on a healthy diabetic diet plan but also consider supplements such as chromium to benefit their health.
How does Chromium Work with Insulin
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed in studies that chromium plays an important role in insulin response in diabetics.
Chromium increases the insulin’s efficiency in regulating blood sugar levels. But when the body is deficient of chromium, this causes insulin resistance (note: there are other reasons that a body can be resistant to insulin).
In a study, those suffering from Type 2 diabetes were broken into three groups. Those who have taken placebo, another with 100 mcg chromium picolinate and 500 mcg chromium picolinate. The group that too 1,000 mcg chromium showed that they had significant reductions in blood sugar levels. The positive effects were found in those who were Type 2 diabetes. As for Type 1 diabetes, although their problem is insulin insufficiency, some have shown positive effects by fixing their chromium deficiency which is known to lead to insulin efficiency.
Also, another positive factor with chromium supplements is that it redistributed body fat, protein and water and in a study, it was shown to reduce body fat percentages with 200 mcg per day.
How much Chromium Must Be Taken?
It is recommended that a healthy individual needs at least 80 mcg per day of chromium supplements. Those who suffer from diabetes or hypoglycemia need at least 200 mcg two to three times daily.
Chromium can also be found in vegetables such as broccoli and processed meats. As well as whole-grained cereals, prunes, nuts and seafood.
Before taking chromium, it is highly recommend that you talk to your physician before taking chromium supplements so insulin levels and blood sugar levels can be monitored. Also, possible adjustments with medication may be made.
Of course, as much as there are positive effects of Chromium supplements, this only helps compliment your current diabetic diet plan. It is very important to continue to eat moderately, healthy and stay with the plan that was given to you by your physician or dietitian.