Serum chromium concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients attending a secondary referral hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

A highly refined diet that contains too few micronutrients has been recognized as the dominant factor in the rising incidence of diabetes and other insulin related conditions. Among the missing micronutrients, chromium has the greatest impact on insulin response. The objective of this study was to determine serum chromium concentrations in Nigerian type 2 diabetes patients attending a secondary referral hospital in Nigeria and to determine whether such concentration has any effects on glucose intolerance in diabetes. Subjects included those attending the diabetes clinic and those hospitalized due to the disease. Mean (±SD) serum Cr concentration of the diabetics and controls were significantly different 0.3 (0.32) nmol/L and 1.08 (.63) nmol/L respectively (p<0.05). Serum chromium concentrations were below normal reference range in 81.3% of the diabetes patients and 20% in the control subjects (p<0.05). Serum chromium was not correlated with glycemic control as measured by fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Lower serum chromium concentrations and poor chromium status are common in type 2 diabetics in Osogbo, Nigeria.

Keywords: Diabetes, serum chromium, glucose tolerance, insulin

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 5(4): 388-392, 2009