Chromium is an essential mineral required for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. People typically only need to consume very small amounts through diet to avoid chromium deficiency. Chromium deficiency is associated with diabetes, and the mineral is used as an additional treatment in alternative health care for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes
The hormone insulin is necessary for converting carbohydrates into energy. People with type 1 diabetes produce so little insulin that they need daily insulin injections to prevent blood sugar from rising to dangerous levels. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin to move glucose into cells, or their cells cannot properly use the insulin that their bodies produce. This condition typically can be controlled by diet and exercise or with oral medication.
Chromium Deficiency
Chromium deficiency is uncommon, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Those most likely to have a chromium deficiency include elderly people, individuals who exercise strenuously, pregnant women and people who consume excessive amounts of sugar. Chromium may help insulin transfer glucose from the blood into the cells for energy, so low chromium levels can increase blood sugar, as noted by the UMMC.
Chromium Supplements
Chromium supplements may reduce blood sugar in patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as well as the amount of insulin needed, according to the UMMC. Study results are conflicting, however. Chromium supplements may also be of benefit for people with diabetes due to pregnancy or steroid use, and these supplements have been found to decrease insulin resistance problems associated with smoking.
Function
Chromium appears to both regulate and improve insulin action, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 1998. Chromium supplements improve insulin efficiency in people with elevated blood sugar, and normalize insulin activity in people with low blood sugar.
Considerations
Dietary sources of chromium include whole grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, lean meats, organ meats, American cheese, prunes, asparagus, mushrooms, brewer's yeast and some spices, including black pepper and thyme. A person taking medication for diabetes should check with his health care provider before taking chromium supplements. He will likely need to monitor his blood sugar more often.
