Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Chromium Supplement

Chromium is a form of metal, which is considered as an important trace mineral for humans. Chromium is commonly seen in certain foods, like meats, animal fats, fish, brown-sugar, coffee, green tea, some spices or herbs, whole-wheat, rye breads, and brewer’s yeast. Today, It is marketed as a nutritional supplement in a form of capsule and tablet.

Summary of the Research Findings

There are medical controversies concerning the use or need of chromium as a supplement for persons that have developed diabetes. First of all, it is hard to determine, whether a particular person is suffering from chromium deficiency or not. Second, the beneficial effects of chromium if used by diabetics is not yet established, and until now, there are still insufficient medical studies to show or support any proof of health benefits. In summary, further research is still needed to exhibit the beneficial effects of chromium for diabetics.

Side Effects and Other Risks

If taken in small doses, and in a short duration of time, the use of chromium appears to be safe for general adult population. However, chromium can influence the levels of insulin in the blood; therefore, this could trigger fluctuation in blood sugar levels. Possible side effects of consuming chromium in low doses may include weight gain, headache, sleeping disorders, skin irritation, and mood shifts. Consuming high doses could cause serious side-effects. And one of the primary concerns of diabetics who use chromium is the risk of developing kidney or renal problems. Some possible effects may include nausea, diarrhea, bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, and worsening of any psychiatric or behavioral issues.

We Do Know That Exercise Reduce Blood Sugar!