Effect of Chromium Picolinate on Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes

• Insulin Sensitivity as assessed with hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps [ Time Frame: at study enpoints ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• glucose control [ Time Frame: at study endpoints ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• body weight and fat distribution, myocellular and intrahepatic lipid content as assessed with MRS scans [ Time Frame: at study endpoints ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Dietary Supplement: chromium picolinate 1000 mcg daily vs placebo
chromium picolinate 1000 mcg daily vs placebo

Detailed Description:

The primary clinical strategy to improve metabolic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes consists of lifestyle modification combined with pharmacologic intervention. However, alternative strategies, e.g. nutritional supplementation with over-the-counter agents, are extensively practiced by a large number of patients and are frequently undertaken without first informing the medical provider. Unfortunately, considerable controversy exists regarding use of dietary supplements in subjects with diabetes because efficacy data for many of the supplements consists of only uncontrolled studies and anecdotal reports. As such, there is a paucity of data in humans in regard to the effect of most commercially available supplements to improve metabolic abnormalities.

One supplement that has attracted considerable clinical interest is chromium (Cr). However, routine use of Cr in subjects with diabetes is not currently recommended. In part, the controversy surrounding Cr supplementation stems from the lack of definitive randomized trials, the lack of "gold standard" techniques to assess glucose metabolism in the studies reported, the use of differing doses and formulation , and the study of heterogeneous study populations. As such, conflicting data has been reported that has contributed greatly to the confusion among healthcare providers concerning Cr supplementation. In order to provide a comprehensive clinical evaluation of Cr, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in subjects with Type 2 diabetes. Individuals had baseline measures consisting of oral glucose tolerance testing, body fat and adiposity assessed, and then used established techniques to assess insulin sensitivity with hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. Individuals were evaluated for 6 months at which time repeat testing was done.