Within the last 5 years
chromium (Cr) has been shown to play a role in
glucose intolerance,
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM), and
gestational diabetes. In addition, diabetes and the neuropathy of a patient on
home parenteral nutrition were alleviated when supplemental Cr was added to
total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions. In a study conducted in China that has been supported by studies in the United States, supplemental Cr as Cr
picolinate improved the
blood glucose,
insulin,
cholesterol, and
hemoglobin A1C in people with Type 2 DM in a dose dependent manner. Follow-up studies of > 1 year have confirmed these studies. The requirement for Cr is related to the degree of
glucose intolerance: 200 microg/day of supplemental Cr is adequate to improve
glucose variables of those who are mildly
glucose intolerant. However, people with more overt impairments in
glucose tolerance and diabetes usually require more than 200 microg/day. Daily intake of 8 microg of Cr per kg
body weight was also more effective than 4 microg/kg in women with
gestational diabetes. The mechanism of action of Cr involves increased
insulin binding, increased
insulin receptor number, and increased
insulin receptor phosphorylation. In summary, supplemental Cr has been shown to have beneficial effects without any documented side effects on people with varying degrees of
glucose intolerance ranging from mild
glucose intolerance to overt Type 2 DM.