EFFECT OF CHROMIUM PICOLINATE VS BIOTIN ON INSULIN RESISTANCE, METABOLIC INDICES, SERUM TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS, AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AMONG STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Chromium picolinate and biotin may influence complementary pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. Objective: To evaluate the individual and combined effects of chromium picolinate and biotin on glycaemic control, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and related biochemical indices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Sixty-six male rats were randomized into 11 groups of six animals. One group served as a non-diabetic control, while diabetes was induced in the remaining groups using streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg. Diabetic rats received chromium picolinate, biotin, or combined supplementation at graded doses for seven weeks. Body weight, feed and water intake, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, lipid profile, haematological indices, hepatorenal markers, C reactive protein, TBARS, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were assessed. Results: Untreated diabetic rats showed marked metabolic deterioration, including post-treatment glucose of 430.6 ± 3.1 mg/dL, HOMA-IR of 44.90 ± 1.00, and HbA1c of 10.92 ± 0.50%. The highest combined regimen, chromium picolinate 200 µg/kg plus biotin 200 µg/kg, reduced glucose to 138.1 ± 1.7 mg/dL, HOMA-IR to 3.36 ± 0.40, and HbA1c to 4.98 ± 0.20%. Feed intake increased from 25.33 ± 1.20 to 35.50 ± 1.00 g/day and declined to 27.30 ± 2.20 g/day with combined treatment. It also produced near-control lipid, inflammatory, renal, and antioxidant values. Conclusion: Combined chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation produced the greatest overall metabolic improvement and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.