Preventing diabetes: Questions about chromium supplements, chia seeds

Posted by sarasotababe @sarasotababe, May 24, 2016

Have you heard about the efficacy of taking chromium supplements for preventing and/or regulating diabetes?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 3, 2016

In reply to @sarasotababe "As a prevention of Diabetes, will 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Chia seeds help? Any dangers?" + (show)

@johnwburns can you post the link please?

sarasotababe | @sarasotababe | Jul 3, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sarasotababe - I merged the 2 discussion threads that you started referring to supplements and preventing..." + (show)

However I can help others, I will gladly undertake. In fact, if you're looking for any volunteers, I have a communications background.

Pre-diabetes can be stressful, especially if you're thin and exercise. What else is left if not nutrition. Of course, a pancreas that celebrates lots of birthdays isn't helpful.

We need to advocate for our own health. And I wish a doctor could be more of a nutritionist.

I don't see any harm taking chia seeds, but I just don't know the duration or amount, although I would imagine that 1 1/2 Tablespoons sprinkled over the course of a day would not encourage "furry animals" to take residence inside.

Colleen, thanks for your feedback and references.

Sandy

JohnWBurns | @johnwburns | Jul 3, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sarasotababe - I merged the 2 discussion threads that you started referring to supplements and preventing..." + (show)

Have a look at alpha lipoid acid. Lots of studies showing possible impact on blood sugar, among other things.

JohnWBurns | @johnwburns | Jul 3, 2016

In reply to @sarasotababe "As a prevention of Diabetes, will 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Chia seeds help? Any dangers?" + (show)

Sorry, I do that a lot. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/research-areas/diabetes/diabetes-prevention-program-dpp/Pages/default.aspx

As far as supplements, there is a lot out there for a few of them that may have legs. Alpha lipoic acid is one. Vitamin D is another. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4792019/

I went crazy on supplements when I found out that I had cancer and was told to stop by Dr Stephen Freedland at Duke, reiterated by the radiation oncologist at Mayo. Dr Freedland has dome a lot of interesting stuff on diet and prostate cancer survival.

But I digress. Hope that you are enjoying the holiday.

sarasotababe | @sarasotababe | Jul 3, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sarasotababe - I merged the 2 discussion threads that you started referring to supplements and preventing..." + (show)

Thank you for your diligent follow-up. Having researched about the alpha lipoic acid, I've decided to continue with sprinkling three times a day to see whether inclusion positively affects my A1C.

JohnWBurns | @johnwburns | Jul 3, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sarasotababe - I merged the 2 discussion threads that you started referring to supplements and preventing..." + (show)

Remember that no supplement is innocuous so caution is the order of the day. I was going to let you know about something surprising that I found tonight while looking into one of the problems I'm dealing with, slow heart rate that appeared in the last few weeks. Not the answer to my question but it turns out that potassium has an effect on insulin release and utilization. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3197792/
The article explains it better than I could. This crossed my path because I take a diuretic for hypertension and it can deplete potassium, which can slow heart rate. If you're at low risk for low potassium you can probably ignore it. Or, since potassium seems to reduce all cause mortality, eat more beans and fruit. Supplements can be risky and should only be taken with a Dr's blessing.
If I see anything else I'll pass it on.

ankie | @ankie | Jan 10, 2017

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sarasotababe, We took your question to a Mayo Clinic pharmacist. She writes: "Chromium is considered “likely..." + (show)

Tried to open page on chia seeds but got the mention "page not found". Any other info on chia seeds since I'm interested as a diabetic person.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 10, 2017

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sarasotababe, We took your question to a Mayo Clinic pharmacist. She writes: "Chromium is considered “likely..." + (show)

Hi Ankie,
The article cited above no longer exists. Here are some others I found that may be of interest:

- CHIA: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings from WebMD http://wb.md/2iZrDbz
- A Chia Pet for diabetes? from Harvard Health http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-chia-pet-for-diabetes-20101217923
- 7 New Diabetes Superfoods You Should Try from Everyday Health http://bit.ly/2ibi7oA

haiderbuttcs | @haiderbuttcs | Aug 15 8:37am

Chromium supplements might help improve blood sugar control, but more research is needed. Their effectiveness varies among individuals.

Chia seeds are rich in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for overall heart health. Incorporating chia seeds into your diet as part of a balanced approach can support diabetes prevention.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant dietary changes.

sisyphus | @sisyphus | Aug 16 11:58am

Great! It's always a good to think "prevention" First -- for any health issue.
I'll start with the largest and Most Reliable source of information for "preventing diabetes": CDC. The tax payer-paid! Couldn't be more Unbiased. Tons of info

Did you know diet and physical activity alone does the most preventing?
Good luck!

(BTW, my 80 y.o. in good shape is a 'personal proof.' No meds, suppls, tests, No doc visit in 10+ years)