Chromium Picolinate for Diabetes

As the name suggests, chromium picolinate is a chemical compound that contains chromium, the mineral and picolinate, an amino acid derivative. Chromium picolinite is one of the popular nutritional supplements in the market today. It promotes weight loss and it helps get rid of acne. Use of chromium picolinate for diabetes or depression or any other condition is considered safe; because it exhibits almost no side effects, when taken in correct doses.

Chromium Picolinate Benefits

Scarcity of mineral chromium in the diet can result in slow growth rate in children, infertility, damaged nerves (peripheral neuropathy), depression, fatigue, obesity, etc. It has been observed that chromium deficiency leads to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or onset of diabetic symptoms. The nutritional supplement that contains chromium picolinate helps control diabetes. The mineral chromium helps enhance the functions of insulin. Insulin works more efficiently when the body receives a sufficient amount of chromium. Picolinate enables the body to use chromium in an efficient manner. In the absence of chromium, insulin molecules cannot transport glucose to the cells where it is actually needed. If glucose is not transported to cells, it gets accumulated in bloodstream leading to a series of symptoms which indicate that you are going to suffer from diabetes.

When you consume the mineral chromium through diet, it is metabolized into an 'ion' or a particle carrying an electrical charge. It becomes difficult for chromium to enter the body cells as the cells repel the charge. Picolinate binds with this ion readily and neutralizes its charge. Thus the combination of chromium and picolinate plays an important role in absorption of chromium by body cells.

There are various types of diabetes, like type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes which women develop during pregnancy. Type 1 diabetes develops as a result of scarcity of insulin in the body and can be treated with chromium picolinate. Type 2 diabetes is experienced as a result of insulin resistance. Studies show that when chromium picolinate was used to treat both types of diabetes, positive results regarding blood sugar, blood insulin and/or blood lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels were seen. Those who are likely to develop diabetes show symptoms of prediabetes. For example, often feeling hungry or thirsty, increased fatigue, increased infections, frequent urination, vision problems, slow healing of wounds, etc. These supplements work great for prediabetes as well.

The supplements help reduce insulin resistance significantly. These supplements not only help prevent type 2 diabetes but also help reverse it. Those having type 1 diabetes, also show significant improvement in condition after taking chromium picolinate supplements. After using this supplements, diabetic patients could cut down their intake of insulin or other drugs which helped lower the side effects considerably. The supplement helps control blood lipid levels and thus helps prevent obesity. So, the supplement is also used to enjoy weight loss. Chromium helps reduce sweet cravings which in turn promotes weight loss.

Though, the supplements help improve the health of diabetics, you should consult your physician if you want to opt for the supplement. Wrong dose of this supplement can prove to be life-threatening. The dosage may vary from person to person, depending upon the chromium intake through diet, severity of the symptoms, age, overall health, etc. 50 to 200 mcg of chromium picolinate per day is considered as safe, depending upon the situation.

Chromium Picolinate Side Effects

It is necessary to follow the instructions of your physician regarding the dosage of chromium picolinate, if you want to avoid side effects of the supplement. Excessive consumption of the supplement can lead to kidney dysfunction, headache, skin rashes, liver damage, loss of appetite, insomnia, difficulty in concentration, etc.

Chromium picolinate helps lower the symptoms of atypical depression. Symptoms like carbohydrate cravings, fatigue and mood swings can be reduced with the help of these supplements. The supplements help manage weight as well. Whether you want to use chromium picolinate for diabetes or for depression, you need to follow the instructions regarding dosage strictly. If you follow the instructions religiously, the supplement can prove to be beneficial for you.