Evidence for Use of Chromium in Treatment of Pre-Diabetes

Abstract

Chromium supplements are widely used for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Recent conflicting reports on its varying effects across different patient demographics calls for a review of the evidence to clarify the role of chromium supplementation in the prevention and management of elevated fasting glucose levels. A search of the literature performed with the terms chromium, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes continues to yield conflicting results due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous subjects and different forms and doses of chromium supplementation used. There is still scientific evidence that in specific patient populations, chromium supplementation is clinically relevant. Until further clinical trials provide a definitive answer, the risk-benefit ratio is in favor of possible benefit.