Chromium and selenium enhance the cellular glucose utilization – An in vitro test

Background: Chromium and selenium, two essential trace elements, may have a key role in glucose homeostasis through the regulation of insulin action on the different human cells. It is an important question whether these elements can influence the glucose metabolism themselves. It is well known that glucose uptake by red blood cells is independent from insulin receptors. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of selenium and chromium in the regulation of glucose uptake of red blood cells, a cell population not having insulin receptor. And clarify the effect of chromium and selenium on insulin lev…