CHROMIUM, GLUCOSE-INTOLERANCE AND DIABETES

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 gestat ional 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 conduc ted 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 A(1C) in people with Type 2 DM in a dose d ependent manner, Follow-up studies of >1 year have confirmed these stu dies, The requirement for Cr is related to the degree of glucose intol erance: 200 mu g/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 mu g/day. Daily intake of 8 mu g of Cr per kg b ody weight was also more effective than 4 mu g/kg in women with gestat ional diabetes. The mechanism of action of Cr involves increased insul in binding, increased insulin receptor number, and increased insulin r eceptor 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.