Diabetes risk factors and chromium intake in moderately obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Purpose

Many foods naturally contain dietary Cr, but lost during processing and cooking. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with poor glycemic control and low Cr status. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the dietary Cr intake and its relationship with diabetes risk factors in moderately obese subjects with T2DM.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty‐six subjects (age: 26–65 years) were recruited through local advertisements. Subjects were taking stable doses of oral antidiabetic medication(s) excluding concomitant insulin. Subjects had HbA1c ≥7 per cent, persistent impaired glucose control (2 hour glucose >200 mg dL⁻¹) and at least a one‐year history of T2DM. Demographic characteristics, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), family and medical history were recorded. Three‐day dietary intakes were collected and evaluated for Cr and nutrient content using Nutritionist V software. Plasma glucose, circulating insulin and lipid profile were analyzed. Homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (IR), beta cell function (BCF) and derived ratios were calculated. Morning void urinary chromium levels were also measured.

Findings

It was observed that mean dietary Cr intake of adults (30 mcg) was below the suggested recommended daily intake (RDI) of 120 mcg day⁻¹. These estimates correspond to approximately 16.4 μg Cr per 1000 Kcals. A significant correlation was observed between dietary Cr and fasting insulin (p<0.05), total‐C (p<0.05), LDL‐C (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.05), BCF (p<0.05), TG/HDL‐C ratio (p<0.01), HOMA BCF (p<0.05) and with atherogenic index in plasma (p<0.05).

Originality/value

In this study, the consumption of chromium is less than the RDI. Overall the results suggest that the US diets are inadequate in the essential metal chromium. Further studies are required to explore the relationship of Cr absorption with dietary Cr intake and risk factors in T2DM.

Citation

Juturu, V., Daly, A., Geohas, J., Finch, M. and Komorowski, J.R. (2006), "Diabetes risk factors and chromium intake in moderately obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 36 No. 6, pp. 390-399. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346650610712199