Chromium Picolinate Reduces Insulin Resistance
There has been a lot of talk lately about Chromium Picolinate, a natural supplement that is growing in popularity. Chromium supplementation has been shown in several studies to reduce insulin resistance because it enhances your glucose metabolism. Insulin resistance is when the body has a diminished ability to utilize insulin to metabolize glucose. Insulin resistance is highly correlated with pre-diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol, and increased cardiovascular risks. In general, it can be difficult to meet the body’s recommended daily dietary intake of Chromium since most American diets contain very low amounts of chromium, and unfortunately, most of this is usually highly refined foods such as flour and sugar. In addition, absorption of chromium can be adversely affected by food and drug interactions, age, and stress, which makes it even more difficult for the body to ingest Chromium.
This is where Chromium Picolinate steps in. It can work in as little as 6-12 weeks, and its safety profile in long-term studies has been well established. Although multivitamins may contain chromium in the form of Chromium Chloride, this form can still be difficult to absorb. Chromium Picolinate is a more highly bio-available form so it absorbs much easier than Chromium Chloride. In addition, studies have shown when used as a part of a weight loss treatment program, it can be very helpful as it helps the body utilize its insulin more efficiently. Through our centers, Chromium Picolinate is available as Diaxinol, and may be a supplement worth discussing with your doctor to see if it may be right for you.
July 19th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
I’ve been reading a lot on this topic lately and for those of us who suffer from Insulin Resistance (but are thankfully not yet diabetic) this is great news. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m anxious to add this supplement to my regimen. If it helps my Insulin Resistance, PCOS and weight issues, I say, sign me up.
July 21st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
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July 29th, 2007 at 4:53 am
I am interested in knowing more about this supplement! I have had FMS for well over 20 years and more recently, was diagnosed with Type 2. Can you take this if you are already diabetic? If so, can it interfere with current medications for Type 2? I also have a thyroid issue… Hypothyroidism which has affected the women in our family. Thank you ahead of time! I will be calling on Monday to make an appt! It’s about time a clinic such as yours came around. Now we just need to lobby the insurance companies to cover they type of treatment options you offer! The drug companies are working night and day to see if there is a way to profit off of us! Pfiffer already is heading the whole campaign! Get ready to get slammed with drug commercials for FMS! Thank you! Judi
July 31st, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Hi Judi,
Chromium Picolinate can be used alone or safely in conjunction with your current diabetic medications to enhance insulin sensitivity, and should not have any interactions with your other medications. I agree with your comments about the public becoming more aware of this condition. If you have any additional questions for me I can be reached at our Atlanta office at 678-494-7800. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Satish Cuddapah, MD
August 10th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
This may not be the forum–but what exactly is insulin resistance? I have consistently had glucose levels in the mid-50’s in nonfasting tests. Could this be related to fibromyalgia? My doctors are stumped…Thanks for whatever info you can offer.
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:18 am
Eric
you have a very nice blog and very informative article
August 29th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Robin,
Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells in the body lose the ability to properly metabolize insulin to utilize glucose correctly. This condition is associated with the “metabolic syndrome” and usually involves weight gain, increased incidence of heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and pre-diabetes. Natural supplements such as chromium and prescription agents such as metformin (glucophage) help reduce insulin resistance. Half the problem with type II diabetes involves this insulin resistance rather that just lack of insulin production by the pancreas. Hope this helps answer your question.
Satish Cuddapah, MD
November 11th, 2007 at 9:32 am
I have FMS, hypoglycemia, high cholesterol, sleep problems, anxiety disorder and depression. I am only 50 and want to feel my age. Would Chromium Picolinate help me?
November 24th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Hello Doctor, and thank you for your insights on insulin resistance. I have been a clinically diagnised hypoglycemic for over 21 years, controlled by diet. Is it possible to believe that this or other supplements would help my pancreace to “slow down” and work more properly? I have been advised that I will turn diabetic at some point. Am I thinking clearly here, or am I off base? Have not had appt. yet. am trying to get to Atlanta by end of year. Thanks so much.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:33 am
Iam a 57 yearold female with diabetes and fybromialga and other health issues.
After reading your article I feel there may be hope for me after all.
I will keep reading your information on these conditions and chrcking with my Dr. about these
allturnative treatments.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Gayle,
Thanks for reading my blog. Chromium picolinate in my opinion would definitely be of direct but more so an indirect benefit to several of your chronic conditions. As it works to reduce insulin resistance, patients are able to lose weight much easier and that benefit itself contibutes to minimizing these conditions, especially helping to lower cholesterol levels.
Best of luck,
Dr. Cuddapah
January 4th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Debbie,
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Reducing insulin resistance (either through natural therapies (chromium picolinate) or prescription drugs) would help minimize the burden placed on the pancreas because now that the cells become better at using insulin, not as much needs to be produced by the pancreas unlike the older diabetic drugs, such as the sulfonylureas, which work by boosting insulin production by the pancreas.
I hope you find this information helpful and useful. Best of luck
Dr. Cuddapah