Chromium is especially important for people living with diabetes. It improves the action of insulin, and is important in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Research has shown that chromium supplementation may be useful for diabetics.

Low Chromium Levels Found In Diabetics

  • -Low chromium levels have been found in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics
  • -Low levels have also been found in newly diagnosed children with Type 1 diabetes
  • -Increased levels of chromium in the urine have been found in people with insulin resistance who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes
  • -This shows that levels may start to fall before diabetes is diagnosed

Health benefits of chromium in diabetes:

Chromium enhances the action of insulin

  • -Many studies have found chromium important for improving insulin resistance, or how the body responds to the hormone insulin
  • -Studies have found chromium to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics

Chromium improves brain function in older adults

  • -A small trial looking at older adults with memory loss found improvements in brain function with chromium supplementation

Chromium has antioxidant effects

  • -One study showed that chromium alone or in combination with vitamin C improved oxidative stress (which leads to rapid aging) and blood sugar metabolism

Chromium’s effect on body weight

  • -One study found chromium to reduce food intake, hunger, fat cravings, and lower body weight
  • -Other studies have also shown chromium’s role in weight loss
  • -Another study found chromium to reduce  carbohydrate cravings in people with depression

Summary

In summary, chromium is a trace mineral with many health benefits. Low levels are frequently found in diabetics. Chromium plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.  It is also very important for improving insulin resistance. Studies have found improvement in weight loss and hunger, as well as improving brain function in older adults. Please see our references for more details on individual studies.

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