Chromium, Blood

Chromium is a trace mineral essential for glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It is found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, and nuts. A blood test can measure the level of chromium in the blood. While a chromium deficiency is rare, it can be associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. However, the significance of blood chromium levels in assessing health and disease is still under investigation, and more research is needed to fully understand its role.