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 attaches to the surfaces of cells and increases their ability to take in glucose. The drug also reduces glucose production in the liver. Metformin is the only drug that should be considered for use in insulin resistance or pre-diabetes to prevent diabetes onset, the American Diabetes Association suggests.