Just to be clear, chromium may help with blood sugar, but more like a supplement than a proper medication. It works mainly in people with type 2 diabetes who eat poorly and that may be low in chromium. How it works is by helping insulin do its job at the cell surface, so more glucose moves from the blood into the muscles. Evidence results are mixed; some show small drops in fasting glucose or A1C, and others show no change. In people without diabetes, the benefits are very little. Cases when it may help: 1. Type 2 diabetes with suboptimal control despite diet/meds. 2. Diets low in whole foods where deficiency is possible. *Use it as a supplement but not as a the primary treatment. The side effects are generally well-tolerated, with possible stomach upset or headache. Always stay within labeled doses and review with your clinician. Recommendations if you are planning on taking it: protein and fiber at meals, lower the amount of ultra-processed foods, and a daily walk. If you add chromium, choose a clean product, start at 200 mcg/day, and reassess in 8 - 12 weeks, but always talk to your clinician first. Stop if no benefit. Julio Baute, MD Clinical Content & Evidence-Based Medicine Consultant invigormedical.com
Hello, I'm Dr. Seyed Hassan Fakher MD, with Invigor Medical. We are a U.S.-based telemedicine clinic specializing in weight loss, longevity, and sexual health. My Clinical focus is on sports medicine, orthopedics wellness and preventive health. I would love to share my expertise and feedback to help you. Some research suggests that chromium enhances insulin sensitivity primarily by improving insulin receptor signaling. Chromium supplementation has been shown to increase insulin receptor activity and tyrosine kinase function, which amplifies insulin signaling in cells. This makes the cell take up insulin more efficiently. It also leads to improved glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Recent meta-analyses and clinical trials in type 2 diabetes patients show chromium supplementation can modestly reduce fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR, indicating improved insulin sensitivity. As for Appetite Control, the findings are Limited and unclear. There is no direct evidence that chromium reduces appetite; some weight/BMI reduction reported in some studies may be secondary to improved glucose metabolism rather than direct appetite suppression. Links to mentioned studies https://dom-pubs.pericles-prod.literatumonline.com/doi/10.1111/j.1463-1326.2008.00936.x https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286311003044?via%3Dihub https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661820314067?via%3Dihub Please contact me in case you have any additional questions Dr.fakher@invigormedical.com Dr.Seyed Hassan Fakher MD