Why Chromium levels are not part of the diagnostic procedures for Type II

There is a long story behind my question, which I won't go into at this time.  It has been a long known fact that chromium and biotin play a part in the body's ability to balance blood sugar.  Can you tell me why physician's do not test for chromium levels or discuss with patients nutritional options with foods (or supplements as long as the patient is monitored closely) at the first signs of glucose intolerance?

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hello,

There are many factors in biology that play roles in proper function, but do not necessarily help bring the system back to normal if it goes awry. In addition, for medical testing and treatment, the medical community as a whole tends to stay within certain guidelines for which there are sufficient amounts of research data to support the practice. To my knowledge, there isn't  a great deal of strong research within allopathic medicine showing that supplememts of any kind have a strong influence on glucose metabolism. There is some data in support of chromium, as well as cinammon and others as well. But the effects have not been consistent or strong in many studies. Overall the vast majority of physicians stay within published guidelines for medical practice(and standards of care) and at this time they do not include testing for chromium or use of supplements for glucose abnormalities.
Hope this answers your questions.

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