Chromium vs. Diabetes – Chromium Picolinate May Control Blood Sugar Spikes

Scientific studies appear to show the benefits of utilizing chromium picolinate as a insulin potentiator, so as it helps the with making the body’s own insulin remove sugar from the bloodstream… 

Chromium deficiency has been shown to be associated with adult-onset diabetes (NIDDM, Type 2),  insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM, Type 1), hyperinsulinism/insulin-resistance, hyperglycemia,  gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and corticosteroid-induced diabetes

One of the basic things every student is taught here at Creative Health Institute is that our bodies require a balanced array of  trace minerals to keep our systems functioning at the highest level possible.

One of the trace minerals we feel plays a very important part in sustaining and controlling our blood sugar leavels is chromium, and when taken as a supplement in the form of chromium picolinate, it seems to have a very positive affect on controling blood sugar spikes.  If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or any other blood sugar disorders, you may want to give close consideration as to how possible increases of this trace mineralin your diet may prove  beneficial in helping you manage your health challenges.

Chromium is an essential trace element involved with glucose and lipid metabolism, circulating insulin levels, and the peripheral activity of insulin. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that chromium potentiates the activity of insulin . This is thought to occur via enhanced intracellular tyrosine kinase activity that results from an interaction between chromium, low molecular weight chromium-binding substance, and activated cell surface insulin receptors .

Supplementation with chromium picolinate play an important part in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that many  type 2 diabetic do not have enough chromium in their system.  The reasons for this deficiencymay be caused by inadequate intake of chromium in the diet, the inability to absorpt chromium and increased losses of the mineral due to other body system stresses. 

For these reasons, many people with diabetes are using chromium picolinate supplementation to control blood sugar spike and physicians are beginning to recognize  the significant clinicalbenefits it offers in addressing the diabetes and helping diabetics maintain optimal insulin levels. Documented studies show the optimum level of chromium picolinate supplimentation for those with Diabetes is in the order of 1000 mcg per day.

Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus–a review.          Broadhurst CL, Domenico P.

Chromium (Cr) picolinate (CrPic) is a widely used nutritionalsupplement for optimal insulin function. A relationship among Cr status, diabetes, and associated pathologies has been established. Virtually all trials using CrPicsupplementation for subjects with diabetes have demonstrated beneficial effects. Thirteen of 15 clinical studies (including 11 randomized, controlled studies) involving a total of 1,690 subjects (1,505 in CrPic group) reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. All 15 studies showed salutary effects in at least one parameter of diabetes management, including dyslipidemia. Positive outcomes from CrPic supplementation included reduced blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and reduced requirements for hypoglycemic medication. The greater bioavailability of CrPic compared with other forms of Cr (e.g., niacin-bound Cr or CrCl(3)) may explain its comparatively superior efficacy in glycemic and lipidemic control. The pooled data from studies using CrPic supplementation for type 2 diabetes mellitussubjects show substantial reductions in hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which equate to a reduced risk for disease complications. Collectively, the data support the safety and therapeutic value of CrPic for the management of cholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in subjects with diabetes.

Anderson RA, et al. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variable in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes 1997;46:1786-91.A prospective, double-blind, randomized evaluation of chromium supplementation in type 2 diabetic patients ages 35-65 years. A total of 180 patients were randomized to 4 months of placebo, 100 mcg chromium twice daily, or 500 mcg chromium twice daily. Primary outcomes measured were change in fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, and 2 hour post prandial glucose levels. The authors report that patients receiving 500 mcg chromium twice daily had statistically significant lower fasting glucose and 2 hour post prandial glucose levels at 2 and 4 months. Both treatment groups had significantly lower fasting and 2 hours post prandialinsulin levels at 2 and 4 months, and hemoglobin A1c levels at four months decreased by 1-2 grams per deciliter in each treatment group. The authors did not publish actual baseline values and the statistical methods used are questionable. No adverse events were reported. The long-term effect and withdrawal of chromium supplementation is not addressed.

Wang ZQ, et al. Phenotype of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus may determine clinical response to chromium supplementation. Metabolism. Dec 2007;56(12):1652-165.
Because the effects of chromium supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes have been inconsistent, the aim of this study was to determine if metabolic or clinical characteristics influenced the patient’s response to chromium. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, baseline measures, including insulin sensitivity, were taken after which 73 patients received either chromium picolinate (1000 ìg/day) or placebo. After 6 months, study parameters were again measured and any relationship between the baseline characteristics and changes in insulin sensitivity were determined. Baseline insulin resistance was the only characteristic associated with response to chromium. However, because baseline insulin resistance accounted for approximately 40% of the variance in response to chromium, further studies are required to identify other factors that may influence response to chromium.

We encourage you to check with your physician before beginning chromium supplementation and provide your health care provider with information on your diet, supplements, and any other way you are addressing your blood sugar situation.

Blessings,

Bobby

Author: Robert Morgan, Certified Naturopath

Robert Morgan - "Bobby" is the past Health Education Director at CHI. A certified Naturopath, Iridologist, Energy Practitioner, Colonic Therapist, Master Raw Live Food, Chef, Author, International Lecturer, Teacher, and Cancer "Survivor". Dr. Bobby is dedicated to continuing to carry out the work of Creative Health Institute, the vision of Dr. Ann Wigmore, and all of the souls who have dedicated their lives to unconditional love, kindness, peace, and natural health. View all posts by Robert Morgan, Certified Naturopath