Chromium improves insulin response in diabetics. Many trials have proven it to be a suitable treatment alternative to conventional medications for individuals with gestational diabetes and mild to moderate type 2 diabetes (adult onset). However, no study has shown efficacy when it comes to severe adult onset diabetes.
A new study published in the March issue of Diabetes Care shows that chromium alone is not sufficient treatment for poorly controlled diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes is defined as that which requires insulin, due to the loss of proper pancreatic function resulting in sky-high blood sugar levels.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe end organ damage affecting the eyes, brain, heart, kidney and liver. In the most severe of cases death can result. Individuals with diabetes often search out an alternative due to the side effects of hyperglycemia medications. Many may be aware of the benefits of chromium for mild cases and attempt to self-treat, ignoring the advice of their physician.
This can be deadly, according to latest results. The study followed diabetics for 6 months. Participants were randomized to receive either 500 or 1000 micrograms of chromium daily or placebo. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) was used to determine treatment efficacy.
At completion of the study there was no decrease in Hemoglobin A1C in either group compared to placebo. Individuals receiving chromium did have a mild improvement in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may decrease complications from uncontrolled diabetes.
Chromium is not an adequate treatment for severe or uncontrolled diabetes based on this study. The study does not exclude chromium as an important component of a treatment plan for diabetes. Individuals with severe diabetes may benefit from chromium in combination with conventional medications via insulin response as well as lowering lipid profiles.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 28, 2006 11:00 AM
