Should You Take Chromium if You Have Diabetes?
If you live with diabetes, you’ve likely heard about chromium and its supposed benefits for improving blood sugar and insulin resistance. Some even claim that chromium can help improve mood! But is this true? Does it work for people with diabetes? Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), it’s important to understand the facts before adding anything new to your routine.
What is Chromium?
Chromium is a mineral found in foods like broccoli, whole wheat flour, and brewer’s yeast. It's also sometimes added to cereals as a fortification. But can this mineral make a difference for people with diabetes? Let’s look at the science behind chromium supplementation.
Studies on Chromium and Diabetes
There have been several studies looking at the effects of chromium on people with diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here’s a quick look at the findings:
One study combined a lot of research on people with Type 2 diabetes, and the results were promising. It showed that chromium helped lower A1c, reduced fasting blood sugar, improved insulin resistance, and even decreased insulin levels. These results suggest that chromium could be beneficial in managing blood sugar levels for people with T2D.
Another large study on people with Type 2 diabetes showed some improvement in A1c levels, but not much else. This indicates that while chromium might help with A1c, the effects on other factors like insulin resistance are less clear.
This study focused on oxidative stress, which is a major concern for people with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2. People with diabetes tend to have higher levels of oxidative stress, which can worsen their condition. The study showed that chromium may help reduce oxidative stress, which could potentially have secondary benefits for blood sugar control.
Should You Take Chromium?
The research on chromium and its impact on blood sugar for people with diabetes is still a bit unclear. For Type 2 diabetes, the evidence shows some promise, but it's not consistent. For Type 1 diabetes, there's hardly any research available. Given the inconclusive evidence, many experts, including diabetes dietitians and diabetes educators, recommend caution when considering chromium supplementation.
As a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator would advise, it’s always a good idea to talk to your care team before making any changes to your diabetes management routine. If you and your team decide that chromium might be a good addition to your regimen, the typical starting dose is between 50-200 micrograms.
What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re working with a T1D dietitian or a T2D dietitian, understanding the role of supplements like chromium is essential for managing diabetes. While it may offer some benefits for Type 2 diabetes, the evidence is not conclusive, especially for Type 1 diabetes. If you’re thinking about adding chromium to your routine, consult with your diabetes dietitian or care team first. They can provide personalized advice to help you make the best choice for your blood sugar management.
