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This pilot study demonstrates that supplementation with a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin in poorly controlled patients with diabetes receiving antidiabetic therapy improved glucose management and several lipid measurements. Chromium picolinate/ biotin supplementation may represent an effective adjunctive nutritional therapy to people with poorly controlled diabetes with the potential for improving lipid metabolism.

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Dyslipidemia, often found in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, plays an important role in the progression of cardiometabolic syndrome. Two essential nutrients, chromium and biotin, may maintain optimal glycemic control. The authors report here a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (N=348; chromium picolinate and biotin combination [CPB]: 226, placebo: 122; T2DM participants with hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] >or=7%) evaluating the effects of CPB on lipid and lipoprotein levels. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive either CPB (600 microg chromium as chromium picolinate and 2 mg biotin) or a matching placebo once daily for 90 days. Statistical analyses were conducted in all eligible participants. Subsequent supplemental analyses were performed in T2DM participants with hypercholesterolemia (HC) and in those using stable doses of statins. In the primary analysis, CPB lowered HbA1c (P<.05) and glucose (P<.02) significantly compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in other lipid levels. In participants with HC and T2DM, significant changes in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and atherogenic index were observed in the CPB group (P<.05). Significant decreases in LDL-C, total cholesterol, HbA1c , and very low-density cholesterol levels (P<.05) were observed in the CPB group taking statins. CPB treatment was well tolerated with no adverse effects, dissimilar from those associated with placebo. These data suggest that intervention with CPB improves cardiometabolic risk factors.

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 21 ) 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 21 . These estimates correspond to approximately 16.4 mg 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.