Chromium is a trace mineral that is a boon for people living with diabetes. Its therapeutic value was first discovered in the 1950s, when researchers isolated a previously unknown substance from pork kidney. When they gave this substance to laboratory rats with glucose intolerance (a pre-diabetes form of insulin resistance), it caused such significant improvements that they named it glucose tolerance factor (GTF).
This unique compound was found to improve the activity of insulin and facilitate the uptake of glucose into the cells. Research intensified and, in 1959, the active ingredient in GTF was identified: chromium.
Chromium doesn’t cause the body to make more insulin—it just helps insulin work better, and this is critical for people who are trying to manage diabetes.
At least 15 well-controlled clinical trials examining the effects of supplemental chromium on people living with diabetes, insulin resistance, and other blood sugar abnormalities have shown that this mineral improves glucose metabolism.
In one study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center and Beijing Medical University, 180 people with type 2 diabetes were divided into three groups and given supplements containing 100 mcg chromium, 500 mcg chromium, or a placebo, twice a day. No other changes were made in their medications, diets, or activity levels. When their blood glucose levels were tested after four months, the patients taking chromium had reductions in blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (also called hemoglobin A1C, a longer-term measure of blood sugar control).
Chromium has also been demonstrated to facilitate weight loss, and if you’re aware of the close connection between diabetes and weight, you’ll understand how important this is.
Aim for 200 mcg of chromium daily.
For more information on Dr. Whitaker's recommendations for healthy daily living, visit www.drwhitaker.com.
This unique compound was found to improve the activity of insulin and facilitate the uptake of glucose into the cells. Research intensified and, in 1959, the active ingredient in GTF was identified: chromium.
Chromium doesn’t cause the body to make more insulin—it just helps insulin work better, and this is critical for people who are trying to manage diabetes.
At least 15 well-controlled clinical trials examining the effects of supplemental chromium on people living with diabetes, insulin resistance, and other blood sugar abnormalities have shown that this mineral improves glucose metabolism.
In one study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center and Beijing Medical University, 180 people with type 2 diabetes were divided into three groups and given supplements containing 100 mcg chromium, 500 mcg chromium, or a placebo, twice a day. No other changes were made in their medications, diets, or activity levels. When their blood glucose levels were tested after four months, the patients taking chromium had reductions in blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (also called hemoglobin A1C, a longer-term measure of blood sugar control).
Chromium has also been demonstrated to facilitate weight loss, and if you’re aware of the close connection between diabetes and weight, you’ll understand how important this is.
Aim for 200 mcg of chromium daily.
For more information on Dr. Whitaker's recommendations for healthy daily living, visit www.drwhitaker.com.
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