I am currently on a low-carb diet, and I inadvertently discovered that taking chromium makes me feel a lot better- less craving, steadier energy, etc. It definitely seems to take some role in one’s blood sugar/ insulin balance; but what exactly? Wiki just says that small amounts of chromium are necessary to help insulin work on your blood sugar, but that actual deficiencies are rare in the developed world. It then goes on to say that almost every claim regarding chromium and diet, weight loss, diabetes and insulin-resistance is disputed. So just what is happening when I take the stuff?
FWIW, I am not in a normal situation: I’m eighty pounds overweight, have never NOT been overweight since early childhood, and green leafy vegetables have been notably absent from my diet. I suspect, though have not been diagnosed, that I’m in the early stages of insulin resistance. After a lifetime of gorging on sugar, caffeine and carbs, I’m now on a low-carb diet, and I can tell you the first three weeks were like withdrawing from meth.
I applaud your commitment to improving your health. As someone who has been down exactly the same road as you, I strongly recommend that you have your blood tested. Without the numbers, you’re shooting in the dark and playing around with the most important thing you have, your health. This isn’t specific to chromium; this is more about your insulin resistance. Don’t “suspect.” Know for sure; it’s too important for guesswork.
I have type 2 diabetes, and among other things I take 100mg of GTF chromium per day. For the purpose of stabilizing blood sugar, the GTF is recommended, rather than chromium picolinate.
And yes, go to a doctor and get your blood tested. Diabetes (or pre-diabetes) is nothing to self-diagnose or self-medicate.