Study Suggests Chromium Helps Control Diabetes

BOSTON — November 24, 1997 — The November issue of the journal Diabetes reports that large doses of the trace element chromium may help patients with Type 2 diabetes significantly lower their blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The US Department of Agriculture carried out the study in 180 adult patients with type 2 diabetes in China. (Chinese subjects were studied because they would be less likely to be already taking vitamin or mineral supplements than subjects in the US).

Currently, US dietary recommendations suggest that adults receive 50-200 ug (micrograms) of chromium daily as part of a well balanced diet. In the study, some volunteers were taking supplements of 200 ug of chromium per day, while others were taking 1000 ug of chromium. Those taking the higher dose experienced better initial improvements in blood sugars, but after four months both those on the higher and lower doses of chromium were experiencing similar improvements in blood sugar control.

The study did not look at the long-term effects of taking high doses of chromium.

According to Joslin dietitians, there is currently no way to determine whether or not you are chromium deficient. Also, although the results of the study are extremely interesting, further research is needed to determine whether chromium supplements will help people generally keep their blood sugars under control.

Therefore, Joslin recommends that patients with diabetes eat a well-varied diet to enhance the likelihood that they are receiving adequate amounts of chromium each day. High sources of chromium include meats (especially liver), whole grains, oysters, cheese and Brewer's Yeast. Joslin is reviewing the results of the chromium study, but has made no formal policy regarding chromium supplements at this time.