Doctor Nguyen Anh Duy Tung from the Nutrihome Nutrition Center explains that chromium is an essential mineral that helps the body use insulin more effectively, thereby supporting blood sugar control. Consuming chromium-rich foods can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of complications in people with diabetes.

Chromium plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In people with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance makes blood sugar difficult to control. Chromium helps enhance the action of insulin, supporting the transport of glucose into cells. People with diabetes can incorporate several chromium-rich foods into their diet to help manage their blood sugar.

Eggs are easy to prepare and contain a natural amount of chromium. They are also rich in protein, vitamin D, and choline, which contribute to stable energy levels and support blood sugar metabolism. People with diabetes can eat boiled or steamed eggs, limiting fried dishes high in fat to avoid increasing bad cholesterol.

Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and chromium. Steamed, boiled, or lightly stir-fried broccoli with olive oil is a healthy choice for people with diabetes.

Raisins provide a certain amount of chromium along with fiber and potassium. Despite their natural sweetness, raisins slow down sugar absorption, limiting sudden increases in blood glucose after meals. People with diabetes can eat raisins in moderation as a substitute for refined sweets and candies.

Chromium-rich broccoli can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Photo: Trong Nghia

Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, barley, and millet contain chromium and soluble fiber, which lower the glycemic index of meals. Regularly consuming whole grains not only stabilizes blood sugar but also helps lower cholesterol, benefiting the heart—an organ vulnerable to damage in people with diabetes.

Potatoes, when eaten with the skin on, contain chromium, potassium, and vitamin B6. However, people with diabetes should choose baked or boiled potatoes and control portion sizes, avoiding fried dishes to limit blood sugar spikes.

Doctor Duy Tung recommends that people with diabetes have regular check-ups with an endocrinologist or nutritionist for advice on incorporating chromium-rich foods into a balanced diet.

People with diabetes should limit refined starches, increase their intake of green vegetables, fiber, and plant-based proteins, and maintain regular physical activity to keep their blood sugar stable. Supplementing with natural extracts like GDL-5 from South American sugarcane, with its natural policosanol content, contributes to regulating blood lipids and helps prevent cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.

Trong Nghia