The Benefits of Chromium for People with Type 2 Diabetes It's Element-ary I've talked about chromium before and how it helps regulate blood sugar for those with adult-onset diabetes, and also how supplementing with this trace mineral can even help prevent this condition from occurring in the first place. Now I have yet another study on my desk showing even more benefits of chromium for people with Type 2 diabetes. This time researchers used electrocardiograms to measure the heart function in patients with Type 2 diabetes who supplemented with chromium. What they found was that a specific measurement on the test showed clear improvement after chromium supplementation, indicating a reduction in heart disease risk. More specifically, scientists found that the duration of ventricular contraction of the heart muscle in those who took 1,000 micrograms (1 milligram) of chromium picolinate per day was significantly shorter than in those given a placebo. The researchers say that this likely indicates a reduced risk of heart disease. In the investigation, the scientists studied 50 people with Type 2 diabetes who were managing their disease through diet alone. Those in the trial had no evidence of serious complications such as heart or kidney failure. They were randomly assigned to either receive the chromium or a placebo for three months. After the three-month period, the two groups switched and each received the other's treatment for another three months. At the end of the first three months, insulin levels were significantly lower in the chromium group than in the placebo group. Their insulin levels stayed down during the second three months of the study when the individuals only were given a placebo, suggesting that the effects of chromium supplementation persisted even after treatment had stopped. The group that received chromium during the second three months of the study experienced a similar drop in insulin levels by the end of the study. The insulin resistance that accompanies Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Since chromium acts to boost insulin's effect, it potentially reduces insulin resistance and the subsequent risk of heart disease. Although the news on chromium continues to be good, always check with your doctor when considering adding a particular supplement. Decide together what would be right for you. **************************************************** What a nut Q: I am an avid runner, but since the birth of my second child I have had problems with varicose veins. They really hurt after a long run. I have heard about the benefits of horse chestnut extract and would like to try it. Can you tell me the best way to go about it? JVW: Traditionally, horse chestnut extract has been used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids because of its anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties. The extracts work to strengthen veins, thereby preventing fluid from leaking out and thus reducing swelling, and pain or tenderness. The extracts will not reverse your condition, but it will prevent it from becoming worse and increasingly painful. A dose of 600 milligrams of horse chestnut extract containing 100 milligrams of escin -- its active ingredient -- should help. **************************************************** What is...insulin resistance? Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells are no longer sensitive to insulin. When this occurs, blood glucose and insulin levels remain elevated, which can damage blood vessels and other tissues. Yours in good health, Amanda Ross Editorial Director Nutrition & Healing Sources: "Chromium supplementation shortens QTc interval duration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus," American Heart Journal 2005; 149(4): 632-636

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