Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Chromium and biotin play essential roles in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination of chromium picolinate and biotin on glycaemic control.


METHODS
Four hundred and forty-seven subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA(1c) > or = 7.0%) were enrolled and received either chromium picolinate (600 microg Cr(+3)) with biotin (2 mg), or matching placebo, for 90 days in combination with stable oral anti-diabetic agents (OADs). Major endpoints were reductions in HbA(1c), fasting glucose, and lipids. Safety and tolerability were assessed.


RESULTS
Change in HbA(1c) was significantly different between treatment groups (p = 0.03). HbA(1c) in the chromium picolinate/biotin group decreased 0.54%. The decrease in HbA(1c) was most pronounced in chromium picolinate/biotin subjects whose baseline HbA(1c) > or = 10%, and highly significant when compared with placebo (-1.76% vs - 0.68%; p = 0.005). Fasting glucose levels were reduced in the entire chromium picolinate/biotin group versus placebo (-9.8 mg/dL vs 0.7 mg/dL; p = 0.02). Reductions in fasting glucose were also most marked in those subjects whose baseline HbA(1c) > or = 10.0%, and significant when compared to placebo (-35.8 mg/dL vs. 16.2 mg/dL; p = 0.01). Treatment was well tolerated with no adverse effects dissimilar from placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the chromium picolinate/biotin combination, administered as an adjuvant to current prescription anti-diabetic medication, can improve glycaemic control in overweight to obese individuals with type 2 diabetes; especially those patients with poor glycaemic control on oral therapy.
Albarracin
Cesar A
CA
Alpha Therapy Center, 4626 Weber Road, Suite 100, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA.
Fuqua
Burcham C
BC
Evans
Joseph L
JL
Goldfine
Ira D
ID
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001710:Biotin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010848:Picolinic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010919:Placebos
D001710:Biotin; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008055:Lipids; D010848:Picolinic Acids; D010919:Placebos; C030614:picolinic acid