Is chromium helpful for blood sugar control?
A. Chromium is a mineral that plays an important role in glucose metabolism. When we eat carbohydrates (bread, pasta, potatoes, candy, chocolate etc!) they are broken down into smaller units called glucose. Glucose is a fast “usable” energy for the body. For glucose to enter the cell, however, it needs a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. It is well known that chromium works closely with insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Without chromium, insulin won’t work properly and blood sugar levels will rise. Individuals looking to address weight loss, hyperglycemia and diabetic conditions should take a closer look at this important mineral.