This mineral lowered my blood sugars from high 250 to 150 and below...PLEASE READ
Chromium was first discovered in 1797. The most stable oxidation state of chromium in biological systems is trivalent chromium (Cr3+), which forms relatively inert complexes with proteins and nucleic acids (1). The essentiality of trivalent chromium is questioned, and its presumed function in the body remains poorly understood. Another common and stable form of chromium in the environment is hexavalent chromium (Cr6+). Hexavalent chromium is derived from trivalent chromium by heating at alkaline pH and is used as a source of chromium for industrial purposes. Hexavalent chromium is highly toxic and is classified as a human carcinogen when inhaled (2). In the acidic environment of the stomach, hexavalent chromium can be readily reduced to trivalent chromium by reducing substances present in food, which limits the ingestion of hexavalent chromium (3-5).
Function
Trivalent chromium has been proposed to be the cofactor for a biologically active molecule that could enhance the effects of insulin on target tissues. Insulin is secreted by specialized cells in the pancreas in response to increased blood glucose levels, such as after a meal. Insulin binds to insulin receptors on the surface of cells, activating the receptors and stimulating glucose uptake by cells. Through its interaction with insulin receptors, insulin provides cells with glucose for energy and helps maintain blood glucose within a narrow range of concentrations. In addition to its effects on carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, insulin also influences the metabolism of fat and protein (6). Together, a decreased response to insulin or decreased insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues (adipose tissue, muscle, and liver) and a progressive defect in insulin secretion may result in impaired glucose tolerance, frequently leading to overt type 2 diabetes mellitus. The body initially increases the secretion of insulin by specialized pancreatic cells to overcome the decrease in insulin sensitivity. However, the pancreas eventually fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose concentrations. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (7).
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/chromium
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I am a type 2 diabetic taking glipizide, metformin, and insulin...I have been taking chromium for many years but just recently increased my dosage from 200 mcg to 1000 mcg...this increase dropped my sugars daily from high 250-280 to 123-160...this happened in a 2-3 day time period and has lasted for over 3 weeks...my a1c has been averaging over 7 and as high as 8.4...I cannot wait until I get my next blood test to see my a1c under 7 to probably in the mid 6 range....I also have neuropathies in both feet and hands and have been experiencing better feeling since sugars are lower...please read article and consider adding chromium picolanate to your own diet....unfortunately you will not hear this from your doctor...
PS
I have not stopped or reduced any of my meds nor am I recommending you do..
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I have used solgar chromium picolinate 500mcg...1 capsule with morning meal and one capsule with evening meal. My blood sugars were always in the 250 plus range and 7.5 plus a1c , my last a1c was 6.5. 