FAILURE OF TRIVALENT CHROMIUM TO IMPROVE HYPERGLYCEMIA IN DIABETES MELLITUS

Through the use of a double-blind cross-over investigative method, the effect of trivalent chromium supplements on blood sugar concentrations of normal and diabetic human subjects was evaluated. Four normal and 10 diabetic subjects took 50 μg. of trivalent chromium and a chromium-placebo thrice daily by mouth for 16-week periods. Chromium did not improve hyperglycemia in diabetic patients, and there was no difference in diabetic glucose tolerance measured after placebo and chromium treatment. Normal glucose tolerance was also unaffected. Despite evidence that trivalent chromium may be an essential micronutrient for maintenance of normal glucose tolerance in rats, results of this investigation do not support suggestions of a similar role in man. © 1968.