The fifth natural magic bullet is chromium picolinate. This nutrient is well known for it is ability to improve glucose tolerance.
The results of a four-month study demonstrated that daily supplementation with 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate significantly enhanced the action of insulin. The trial involved 29 overweight individuals with a family history of diabetes. The chromium half completed the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 40% reduced insulin resistance compared to the placebo group. A smaller dose of 200 mcg was less effective at 2.8% and placebo reduced the test by only 0.5%.
A chromium dosage of 50-100 mcg daily is high enough to correct a deficiency, but not sufficient to improve blood sugar control. Dr. Richard Anderson (a biochemist and nutritionist with the Department of Agriculture) recommends that diabetics and anyone with impaired glucose tolerance take 400-600 mcg of chromium daily. I suggest that anyone with poor glucose control take a full 1,000 mcg daily until they see signs of improved insulin function.
All of these nutrients can make a dramatic difference in your diabetes treatment. And they are all readily available at your local health food store.
Family Practice News, September 15, 2005
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