Some researchers have long suspected that chromium picolinate could be helpful for people with diabetes, but broad acceptance has been slow in coming. Now a new study, presented at the World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, bolsters chromium’s case.

Researchers asked 36 diabetics to take 600 micrograms of chromium picolinate a day (plus 2 milligrams of biotin) or a sham pill for one month. At the end of the study, the chromium-takers had improved their insulin sensitivity and saw reductions in several cardiovascular risk factors, including total cholesterol and trigycerides. (Heart disease is a common complication for diabetics.)

Also, a recent article in Diabetes Care eased concerns about another issue that had slowed chromium’s acceptance—its possible toxic effects. The authors pointed to several controlled clinical trials, in which doses of up to 1,000 mcgs did not cause harm.

“Chromium is actually one of the safest nutrients,” says Richard Anderson, lead scientist at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, in Beltsville, Maryland, who has done research on the supplement’s effects.

Taking it may even allow diabetics who are also taking medication to reduce their dosages. But be sure to check with a physician first.