The effect of glucose loading on urinary excretion of chromium in normal adults, in individuals from diabetic families and in diabetics

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) on urinary chromium excretion in normal individuals, in individuals belonging to diabetic families, and in diabetics. The results can be summarized as: 1) eight of the 10 normal adults showed a significant increase both in terms of chromium per minute and chromium/creatinine (Cr/Cre) ratio after OGTT, and the difference between the mean values before and after OGTT was significant, 2) Of the 13 individuals from diabetic families, only five increased their chromium excretion and chromium/creatinine ratio after the glucose challenge (39%). However, the mean values for the group before and after OGTT remained statistically unchanged, 3) three of eight overt diabetic subjects (38%) showed moderate increase in chromium excretion and Cr/Cre ratio after OGTT, but the mean values were not effected. The creatinine values in urine remained constant before and after OGTT in all groups. These results suggest that a positive Cr/Cre response is more likely to occur in groups of normals than in groups of diabetics, and in individuals from diabetic families.