Non-prescription Diachrome(R) improves glycemic control for type 2 diabetics
Filed under: Type 2, Drugs, Research
You don't even need a prescription for this one. Nutrition 21, Inc., a nutritional bioscience company, markets drugstore supplements such as selenium and omega-3 fish oil. They recently announced new published results of a clinical study of their patented product Diachrome(R), a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (a B vitamin).
Here's the skinny on the study. In a 447 subject, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, type 2 diabetics taking Diachrome(R) realized significant improvements in glycemic control (an absolute decrease in A1C of 0.54%). More dramatic decreases were seen for type diabetics with terrible glycemic control levels (A1C levels equal or greater than 10%). These diachrome(R)-takers saw an additional absolute A1C decrease of 1.76%, and they were already taking one or more prescriptions to treat their type 2 diabetes. Improvements were also seen in fasting glucose levels and triglycerides to high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratios.
Is a nutritional supplement honestly going to help people with type 2 diabetes? I checked out the Diachrome(R) website and found the product has been around at least since 2004, possibly even longer. The FDA has deemed it safe. Perhaps it does enhance insulin function, but the website clearly states it should never replace medications already being prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.