Chromium plays a supporting role in insulin signaling, so insufficient levels have been linked to higher fasting blood sugar and poorer glucose tolerance in both observational and interventional studies. In some trials involving people with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, chromium supplementation has led to modest reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c, particularly in those with higher baseline blood sugars. Studies suggest that maintaining adequate chromium status may help support healthier blood sugar control and reduce the likelihood of persistent hyperglycemia. This medication is commonly used for Inflammation.
Anderson RA, Cheng N, Bryden NA, Polansky MM, Cheng N, Chi J, Feng J. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes. 1997 Nov;46(11):1786-91. Rajendran K, Manikandan S, Nair LD, Karuthodiyil R, Vijayarajan N, Gnanasekar R, Kapil VV, Mohamed AS. Serum Chromium Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Its Association with Glycaemic Control. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Nov;9(11):OC05-8. Riales R, Albrink MJ. Effect of chromium chloride supplementation on glucose tolerance and serum lipids including high-density lipoprotein of adult men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 Dec;34(12):2670-8. Yin RV, Phung OJ. Effect of chromium supplementation on glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus. Nutr J. 2015 Feb 13;14:14.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Research has found that corticosteroids increased chromium excretion in patients after just three days. Chromium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is important because corticosteroids themselves can raise blood sugar, contributing to diabetes. Evidence suggests that chromium supplementation improved fasting blood glucose levels in patients with steroid-induced diabetes.
Corticosteroids can lower calcium levels in the body. This is a double threat to bone health because corticosteroids themselves can weaken bones. Calcium is essential for strong bones, and a study showed that supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D3 helped prevent bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis taking corticosteroids. Supplementation with calcium should be considered during long term corticosteroid therapy.