From the Guidelines
Chromium supplementation is not recommended for people with diabetes due to lack of clear evidence of its effectiveness in improving glycemic control, as stated in the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Chromium and Diabetes Connection
Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in insulin function, but its connection to diabetes is still being researched. The evidence for chromium's effectiveness in improving blood sugar control is mixed, with some studies showing modest improvements and others showing minimal benefit.
Key Findings
- There is no clear evidence that dietary supplementation with chromium can improve outcomes in people with diabetes who do not have underlying deficiencies 1.
- Chromium supplementation may have a role in the management of glucose intolerance, gestational diabetes mellitus, and corticosteroid-induced diabetes, but the evidence is not conclusive 1.
- The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes focus on nutrition counseling rather than micronutrient supplementation to achieve metabolic control 1.
Recommendations
- People with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before starting chromium supplements, especially if taking medications, as chromium may enhance insulin's effects and potentially cause hypoglycemia.
- Chromium supplements should not replace conventional diabetes treatments like metformin or insulin.
- Food sources of chromium, such as broccoli, green beans, whole grains, and some meats, can be included in a balanced diet.
Important Considerations
- Kidney disease patients should be particularly cautious with chromium supplementation due to the potential risk of adverse effects.
- The evidence for chromium's effectiveness is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand its role in diabetes management.
From the Research
Chromium and Diabetes Connection
- Chromium has been established as an essential trace element in mammals for maintaining normal carbohydrate metabolism 2
- Studies have shown that chromium supplementation can improve glucose levels in individuals with documented deficiencies, but the evidence is not consistent across all subject phenotypes 2
- Patient selection may be an important factor in determining clinical response to chromium, with insulin-resistant individuals with type 2 diabetes and elevated fasting glucose and hemoglobin A(1c) levels being more likely to respond to chromium supplementation 2, 3
Clinical Response to Chromium Supplementation
- A study found that 63% of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus responded to chromium treatment, with baseline insulin sensitivity being the only subject variable significantly associated with the clinical response to chromium 3
- Another study reported that chromium picolinate supplementation enhanced insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid metabolism 4
- A review of 15 clinical studies found that chromium picolinate supplementation had beneficial effects on glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in subjects with diabetes 4
Role of Chromium in Insulin Resistance
- Chromium is an essential mineral that plays a beneficial role in regulating insulin action and carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism 5
- Studies have shown that chromium supplements can enhance the metabolic action of insulin and lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in overweight individuals 5
- Chromium picolinate has been found to reduce insulin resistance and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes 5
Recent Systematic Review
- A recent systematic review found that chromium supplementation, mainly in the form of chromium picolinate, may have possible benefits in improving glycemic control and lipid profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus 6
- However, the review noted that most research findings include significant limitations, such as inconsistent dosage and type of chromium, formulation of supplements, and study duration, and further well-designed and high-quality research is needed to fully understand the role of chromium dietary supplementation in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus 6