The magnesium/chromium combination
With an estimated 29 million Americans with diabetes, there is no question. This is a disease that's raging out of control. Fortunately, lifestyle and dietary changes along with supplementation can help you prevent this most-undesirable health condition.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), insulin resistance is when muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin and thus cannot easily absorb glucose from the bloodstream. As a result, the body needs higher levels of insulin to help glucose enter the cells. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes because the beta cells fail to keep up with the body's increased need for insulin. Without enough insulin, excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes, prediabetes, and other serious health disorders.
One of the latest pieces of research shows that a combination of the minerals magnesium and chromium improves a number of indicators of insulin resistance. In this particular study, insulin-resistant subjects were divided into four groups. One group received 160 micrograms (mcg) of chromium daily, another group received 200 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, and a third group received both chromium and magnesium, and the fourth group received a placebo.
Researchers observed the groups prior to treatment, for a three-month treatment period receiving the doses, and for a period after the study ended. Researchers measured data in a number of area including fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index, T-lymphocyte messenger RNA levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4, a protein that transports insulin), and the GSK3beta enzyme. The group that received both chromium and magnesium showed the best results. Their fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index, and GSK3beta levels were significantly lower at the end of the study. Additionally, a 2.9-fold increase in GLUT4 was observed only among those who received both chromium and magnesium.
Lead researcher, Dr. Mei Dou, stated, "As anticipated, we found that combined chromium/magnesium supplementation ameliorated insulin resistance more effectively than chromium or magnesium alone, and this effect was likely related to the regulation by combined chromium/magnesium of the expression of GLUT4 and GSK3beta. The results of the present study suggest the therapeutic potential of combined chromium/magnesium therapy in insulin resistant individuals."
Hammer Nutrition's Chromemate and Essential Mg provide a potent research-supported combination. Together, this pair helps ensures that one's insulin is working properly to keep blood glucose levels stable. This is vitally important to avoid insulin resistance and the possibility of pre-diabetes and diabetes. With over 54 million people in the United States diagnosed with pre-diabetes, this exciting research has the potential to improve and save many lives.
Suggested dosing: Take 1 Chromemate and 1 Essential Mg with Recoverite after a workout. This will significantly enhance glycogen synthesis/storage capabilities. Take another dose of 1 Chromemate and 2 Essential Mg with your two main meals. Hammer on!
