Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Young children with type 1 diabetes had low amounts of chromium, which may result in poor insulin function.
Approximately a quarter of a million young people under the age of 20 have diabetes in the United States (1). Deficiency of the trace mineral chromium has been shown to increase the risk of developing diabetes, especially type II (2). Chromium is also especially important for young children because it also aids in normal growth and development (2). A recent study found that young children with type 1 diabetes had low amounts of chromium, which may result in poor insulin function (2).
The study included 165 children aged 2 to 16 years, divided into 5 different groups:
Group 1: Newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (n=29)
Group 2: Previously diagnosed and being treated for type 1 diabetes (n=18)
Group 3: Control group in hospital without diabetes (n=21)
Group 4: Control group from different socioeconomic backgrounds (n=48)
Group 5: Additional control group from different socioeconomic backgrounds (n=49)
Each group had chromium levels measured in the plasma, red blood cells and urine. These measures were used to compare levels of chromium in healthy children versus those recently or previously diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
The average plasma chromium levels of both the newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed diabetics were significantly lower then all of the control groups (p<0.001). And the plasma chromium levels were also significantly lower in the newly diagnosed diabetics compared to the previously diagnosed diabetics (p=0.021). The average plasma chromium values were 7.21 mcg/l in newly diagnosed diabetics, 10.94 mcg/l in diabetics diagnosed previously, 21.84 mcg/l in Control group 3 , 16.11 mcg/l in Control group-4, and 17.25 mcg/l in the Control group-5 (2).
The average red blood cell chromium levels in the newly diagnosed diabetics were significantly lower than all of the control groups (p<0.001). And the red blood cell chromium levels were also significantly lower in the newly diagnosed diabetics compared to the previously diagnosed diabetics (p<0.001). The average red blood cell chromium values were 13.99 mcg/l in newly diagnosed diabetics, 19.64 mcg/l in diabetics diagnosed previously, 28.20 mcg/l in Control group-3, 25.49 mcg/l in Control group-4, and 26.37 mcg/l in Control group-5 (2).
The average urine chromium levels in both the newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed diabetics were significantly lower than control group-3 (p<0.001). The average urine chromium values were 11.44 mcg/l in newly diagnosed diabetics, 15.68 mcg/l in diabetics diagnosed in the past, and 28.83 mcg/l in Control group-3 (2).
In conclusion, these va lues indicate chromium storage in the body is higher in healthy individuals and lowest in individuals recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Past research also indicates that the deficiency in chromium will worsen the disease picture in those recently diagnosed with diabetes (2). Future studies can administer chromium to individuals to determine if the disease process of diabetes can be altered or improved (2). It is recommended by the study authors that chromium be supplemented to aid in insulin function in those at risk or those diagnosed with diabetes (2).
Source: Karagun, Barbaros Sahin, et al. “Chromium levels in healthy and newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic children.” Pediatrics International 54.6 (2012): 780-785.
© 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society
Posted August 7, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com
References:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. National Diabetes Statistics 2011.
- Karagun BS, et al. Chromium levels in healthy and newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic children. 2012 Pediatrics International. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2012.03696.x
