Chromium Status, Assessed By Hair Analysis, In Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aims: To assess chromium status using human scalp hair in females with Type 2 Diabetes and a control group of women. Methods: The participants were two groups of women aged between 35 and 70: 35 women with Type II diabetes (study group) and 30 women with no history of diabetes (control group). Samples of scalp hair were collected and the chromium content analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: No significant difference was found between the levels of chromium in the hair samples of the women in each group. Chromium was found to be higher in the diabetic group than the control group. (0.59 Vs 0.52 μg/g). The two groups had a similar weekly diet, apart from alcohol, chocolate, cream and milk; significantly more controls consumed these products. Conclusion: There was no evidence of chromium deficiency in women with type 2 diabetes.