When do you head on supplements in a day? At night? At the day time? Most of people probably take their medicines or supplements beginning of the day, morning.

Chromium

Chromium is a unique mineral known for its role in enhancing insulin function and glucose metabolism, making it particularly beneficial in the morning. A daily dose of 200–1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate has been shown to significantly improve blood glucose control, with chromium picolinate recognized as the most effective form of chromium supplementation.

Morning blood sugar regulation often faces challenges such as the dawn phenomenon—a rise in blood sugar due to early morning hormonal shifts (like cortisol and growth hormone) —and the effects of overnight fasting. Chromium addresses these challenges by binding to LMWCr (low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance) in the body. It interacts with the insulin receptor, through tyrosine kinase pathway (2). After an overnight fast, insulin sensitivity may decrease, but chromium supplementation helps restore insulin function, promoting efficient glucose regulation and stable blood sugar levels. Chromium is a widely recognized mineral that plays a crucial role in supporting type 2 diabetes by these mechanisms (3).

And here are some tips for using chromium. Take supplements of more than 200 mcg chromium. Form of picolinate is better, but other bioavailable forms may work. Taking this mineral with breakfast can allign with blood sugar control. Pair chromium supplements with protein and healthy fat diet like fish oil, and these tips will stabilize blood sugar levels.

(1) Diabetes Educ. 2004:Suppl:2-14.
A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance
Peter J Havel

(2) Vincent, John (2015). “Is the Pharmacological Mode of Action of Chromium (III) as a secondary messenger?”. Biological Trace Element Research. 166 (1): 7–12.

(3) Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. Volume 25, Issue 3, July 2011, Pages 149-153. Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes. Shilpi Sharma a , Rajendra Prasad Agrawal b, Maya Choudhary a,
Shreyans Jain b, Shekhar Goyal b, Vivek Agarwal b

Vitamin D

Yes, vitamin D directly affects insulin sensitivity, secretion, and glucose levels. But why is it important to take vitamin D in the morning? It’s not just because of its connection to sunlight exposure. Studies on type 2 diabetes have shown that taking vitamin D can help improve blood sugar control and overall diabetes management.

This study indicated that vitamin D decreased serum insulin and had beneficial effects in type 2 diabetics (4). Other study like a research in korea 2013, suggested that vitamin d metabolism may play a role in type 2 diabetes pathogenesis independently of known risk factors (5). Results on vitamin d intake showed decreaded insulin and HbA1c in diabetic type 2 patients. There are several studies with similar results supporting this idea that vitamin D is an important nutrient in control of glucose homeostasis.

Ensure an adequate daily intake of vitamin D, typically 800–2,000 IU.  Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so consuming it with healthy fats (e.g., avocado, nuts, or eggs) can improve absorption. Spend time in natural sunlight in the morning, which helps your body produce vitamin D naturally.

4) Iran J Public Health. 2014 Dec;43(12):1651–1656.
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glucose Control and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Diabetes Type 2: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Esmaeil YOUSEFI RAD 1, Mahmoud DJALALI 1, Fariba KOOHDANI 1, Ali Akbar SABOOR-YARAGHI 1, Mohammad Reza ESHRAGHIAN 2, Mohammad Hassan JAVANBAKHT 1, Somayeh SABOORI 1, Mahnaz ZAREI 1, Mohammad Javad HOSSEINZADEH-ATTAR 3,*

5) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Volume 97, Issue 3, March 2013, Pages 524-530. Association of vitamin D deficiency with incidence of type 2 diabetes in high-risk Asian subjects.

Conclusion

Combining chromium and vitamin D in the morning can be beneficial. Because both nutrients play complementary roles in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Together, chromium and vitamin D improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, helping to manage blood sugar levels. effectively. Both nutrients help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are major contributors to diabetes complications.

Why Take Them in the Morning? Vitamin D is better absorbed in the presence of dietary fat, often consumed in the morning. Chromium can also be more effective when paired with meals that contain carbohydrates. Taking these nutrients in the morning can help stabilize blood sugar levels early in the day, which is important for preventing spikes or crashes.