Chromium is a cofactor for insulin signaling complexes; inadequate chromium status has been associated in some studies with impaired glucose tolerance and worsened glycemic control, though human data are mixed. This medication is commonly used for Inflammation.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of chromium supplementation in type 2 diabetes suggests small improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c in some trials, but high-quality randomized studies in prediabetes found no clear benefit, indicating that the clinical impact of chromium depletion remains uncertain.
Asbaghi O et al. Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2020;161:105098.; Ali A et al. Chromium effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in persons at risk for diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(4):712-714.; Talab AT et al. Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic status and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes. Clin Nutr Res. 2020;9(2):97-105.
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.