March 13, 2003
Alternative Therapies and Explanations
Question from Tampa, Florida, USA:
I am 52, exercise regularly, and I am not overweight. My A1c is 5.6% and my fasting blood sugar is 115-118 mg/dl [6.4-6.5 mmol/L], but I had an above normal two-hour glucose tolerance test which was above normal but not clearly diagnostic of diabetes. My endocrinologist tried a diabetes pill for four months to reduce my fasting blood sugar, but there was no measurable difference so he stopped treatment, and my family doctor suggested chromium picolinate supplementation.
I’m reading pros and cons but typically “lack of evidence” from medical community. Would it not be simpleto have a trial with control/test groups who take placebos and chromium picolinate supplements and measure blood sugar after two to four months? It seems that the last major look was six years ago and wasn’t conclusive. With all the fundraising and widespread interest in cures and prevention, it would appear this would be a fairly simple trial that once and for all could substantiate or debunk the chromium picolinate possibilities.
Answer:
There have been many controlled trials of chromium supplementation over the last twenty five years primarily based on the evidence that GTF or Glucose Tolerance Factor has an effect on insulin sensitivity. These trials, like similar ones for zinc and magnesium, have given equivocal results and for that reason chromium picolinate remains as an easily available nutrition supplement; but has no real part in the routine treatment or deferral of type�2 diabetes. Since Avandia [rosiglitazone], which also acts by increasing insulin sensitivity, had no effect on your blood sugars and your hemoglobin A1c is normal, I doubt if chromium picolinate would offer any benefit. However, as it appears to be safe at a normal dose, I would see no risks in a trial for a few weeks.
DOB
