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| Title:
|
Chromium Effects on Insulin and Vascular Function in People at Risk for Diabetes |
| Status:
|
Completed |
| Topic:
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Diabetes / Insulin Resistance |
| Funding Source:
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National Institutes of Health/NCAMM |
| Funding Period:
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11/03 6/08 |
| Study Design:
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Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Modified Crossover Trial |
| Purpose:
|
To investigate the effects of daily chromium supplementation for 6 months at 2 dose levels on serum measures of glucose tolerance and endothelial function in adults with a higher-than-normal risk of developing diabetes. |
| Further Study Details:
|
Researchers have been looking for safe, effective, and low-cost ways to prevent and/or treat diabetes. Use of chromium is widespread, but evidence of therapeutic effect is limited. Chromium is a mineral that plays a role in the body's control of blood glucose, and prior research has suggested that chromium may be helpful in treating Type 2 diabetes. This study examined the effects of chromium on glucose tolerance and endothelial function in people at risk of developing diabetes. The study followed a group of 59 adults (38 women and 21 men) with an average age of 57 years. It investigated the effects of chromium on:
- blood pressure
- anthropometric measures
- weight
- waist circumference
- body mass index
- measures of diabetes risk
- fasting glucose levels
- insulin levels
- insulin resistance
- oral glucose tolerance test
- hemoglobin A1c levels
- brachial artery endothelial function
- lipid profiles
- total cholesterol
- HDL
- LDL
- triglycerides
- total cholesterol/HDL ratio
- and urinary measures of microalbumin and the albumin/creatinine ratio
Participants were randomly assigned to a daily dose of either 500 or 1000 micrograms (mcg) of chromium for a period of 6 months. During another 6-month period, each person also received a placebo (inactive substance) for comparison. |
| Findings:
|
Neither dose (500 mcg or 1000 mcg) of chromium led to any significant changes in any of those measures listed above. During the course of the study, 5 participants developed Type 2 diabetes. Based on results from our study it does not appear that chromium can help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. Other recently-published studies also support our findings. |
| Eligibility:
|
Adult men and women with impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, or insulin resistance. |