A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Chromium on Fasting Blood Glucose, HBA1c, Triglycerdies, LDL-C and HDL-C in Type 2 Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Date

2002-05-01

Authors

Evans, Jill E.

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Abstract

Evans, Jill E., A meta-analysis of the Effects of Chromium on Fasting Blood Glucose, HbA1c triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C in Type 2 Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance. Master of Public Health, May, 2002, 35 pp., 4 tables, 4 figures, references cited, 23 titles. Objective: To assess the magnitude of chromium’s effect of trivalent chromium (picolinate or chloride) or yeast in type 2 diabetics or subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Efforts were taken to combine studies with similar doses and treatment periods. Sensitivity analysis was performed. Outcomes Measured: Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, triglycerides, high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C). Effect sizes were converted to appropriate units and were reported as “effect size equivalents”. Results: The magnitude of effect of chromium on FPG and HbA1c was negative and generally increased with dosage and duration. Statistically significant effects were observed for typical doses (150-250μg/day) for both outcomes at 1.5-3 months duration, and for HbA1c at 4-6 months; and high dosage (1000 μg/day) at 1.5-3 and 4-6 months for both outcomes. For triglycerides at the typical dose, statistically significant effects (p=0.00) were observed at 1.5-3 months. There was no effect on LDL-C. HDL-C increased with increasing duration of chromium supplementation, with the exception of the 4-6 month duration. Statistically significant effects (p=0.00) were observed for typical dosage at 1.5-3 months. For the studies using yeast with GTF activity, the effect size equivalent for FPG and triglycerides was significantly lowered (p [less than] 0.001 and p=0.00 respectively). When the study using yeast with no GTF activity was included, the pooled fixed effect size equivalent was smaller, yet remained significant. HDL-C was significantly increased (p=0.00). Sensitivity analysis yielded similar results. Conclusion: Meta-analysis of chromium showed a significant reduction in FBG, HbA1C, triglycerides, and LDL-C, while increasing HDL-C in the groups studied. The best available evidence suggests that chromium has a dose and duration-dependent effect on these outcomes.

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