Proteins are necessary for tissue repair and for the construction of new tissue. Every cell needs protein to maintain its life. Protein is also the primary substance used to replace worn out or dead cells. Your muscles, hair, nails, skin, and eyes are made of protein.
Taking supplemental chromium has been shown repeatedly to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, even to the point of reversing type II diabetes in many people (1). Thus, as my old clinical nutrition professor pointed out, apparently a chromium deficiency can actually lead to type II diabetes.
Metformin can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin requirements. Additionally, biguanides can lower fasting levels of insulin in plasma. Metformin is suitable for a mono-therapy and in combination with sulfonylureas and other secretagogues, thiazolidinediones, and insulin. The combination of glyburide and metformin is more effective than either glyburide or metformin alone.