The Vitamin Cure for Diabetes by Ian E. Brighthope

Author:Ian E. Brighthope
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

CHROMIUM

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is essential in the function of insulin, as a component of a compound called glucose tolerance factor (GTF). GTF works together with insulin to open up channels in cell membranes that allow glucose enter the cells, where it can be used for energy. As glucose is taken up into cells, the blood glucose level drops. A low intake of chromium or an excessive loss of chromium results in poor sugar tolerance—the body just cannot handle sugars properly.

There are a variety of factors that cause or contribute to low levels of chromium in the body. Chromium is lost from the body as we age, and it is interesting to note that studies showing chromium depletion with age report the greatest decline being in the lungs. The importance of this is not fully understood, but we know that the lungs require a lot of sugar to produce the energy needed for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Chromium levels are also affected by mental and/or emotional stress, which is one of the reasons why stress management is so important in diabetes treatment. Additionally, the more sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol we consume, the more chromium is washed out of the body via the kidneys. The use of cortisone tablets or creams can result in massive losses of chromium in the urine, as well. Thus, in a person with poorly controlled diabetes, who is already producing a high urine output to rid the body of excess sugar, chromium supplementation is essential when cortisone is taken. Because it appears that atherosclerosis and heart disease are also commonly associated with chromium, and we know people with diabetes are already more prone to heart disease, the importance of taking in adequate amounts of chromium cannot be overstated.

Certain tests can check for chromium levels in the body. The most common test is simply a blood test that measures chromium levels in blood plasma or red blood cells. Hair sample analysis may also be used to determine levels of minerals such as chromium, zinc, manganese, calcium, and iron. Tissue biopsy from the kidneys or liver is another option, although this procedure is risky and highly invasive, so it is not routinely performed.

Properly conducted clinical and scientific studies have proven the value of chromium in treating diabetes. A study published in 1998 by Dr. Hellerstein in Nutrition Reviews showed that a special form of chromium called chromium picolinate reduced fasting cholesterol, reduced HbA1C, reduced fasting plasma (blood) glucose, and fasting insulin levels dropped as well. These changes were all achieved over a relatively short period of four months, and all are statistically significant, which means they are all proven scientifically to be superior to a placebo. If the study had been conducted over a shorter period—as many drug studies are—the results may not have been so good. Drugs are generally fast acting. On the other hand, drugs have a multitude of harmful side effects because of their natural toxicity at typically-prescribed doses.

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