Chromium is an essential mineral. You need very small amounts of it, and this amount is usually well-supplied by food or vitamin mineral supplements. Chromium is believed to have several functions in the body, but some are not yet completely understood. One function that has been identified is the relationship of biologically active chromium to glucose metabolism. Glucose is the form of sugar found in the blood. Chromium enhances the action of insulin, which metabolizes blood glucose and makes it available to the cells. In this way, the amount of glucose in the blood is reduced. If your blood sugar is already low and you have a chromium deficiency, more chromium would make it lower.
People Without Diabetes
Chromium serves the purpose of enhancing the action of insulin. If your system is functioning normally, the amount of chromium needed is used if it is available. According to Jane Higdon, Ph.D., of the Linus Pauling Institute, severe chromium deficiency is rare, but has occurred in the past when patients were sustained on IV fluids that did not contain chromium. It did result in impaired glucose tolerance and symptoms of diabetes. This was resolved when the mineral was replaced. This report also suggests that chromium insufficiency over time may be a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. It cites studies indicating that endurance exercise may increase the loss of chromium through excretion in the urine. Whether through food or supplements, it is reasonable to be sure you are getting at least the RDA of chromium, which is 35 micrograms a day for adults as determined by the Office of Dietary Supplements. Taking supplements that provide more than the RDA should be discussed with your physician. As yet, there is no simple test for chromium levels.
Type 2 Diabetes
If you are controlling your blood glucose with diet alone, chromium may help you with this goal if you are deficient in this mineral. It enhances the insulin you do produce and combats insulin resistance. If you are taking any medications for type 2 diabetes, it is essential you discuss increasing your intake of chromium with your physician. The combination can cause hypoglycemia, so the addition of chromium may require adjustment of your medication.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is the result of insufficient insulin production. If you have it, you are aware it can be a balancing act. If you are deficient in chromium, substantial changes in chromium intake could make the insulin you take more effective and lower your blood glucose too far, causing hypoglycemia. Discussion in advance with your physician, as well as close monitoring of glucose levels and chromium intake, will be necessary until you have established the effect, if any, this mineral has on your glucose metabolism.
References
- "The Language of Medicine," 6th Edition; Davi-Ellen Chabner, BA, MAT; 2001
- Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Office of Dietary Supplements
