Which element is considered a glucose tolerance factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

• A. Iron
• B. Chromium
• C. Zinc
• D. Copper

Answer: (B)

Chromium acts as a cofactor that enhances insulin action, improving how effectively cells take up glucose. This chromium-containing factor helps amplify the insulin signaling pathway, making tissues more responsive to insulin and thus improving glucose tolerance. In type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is a problem, chromium’s role as a glucose tolerance factor explains why it’s linked to better glucose handling. The other elements have important roles in metabolism (iron in oxygen transport and many enzymes, zinc in insulin storage and various enzymes, copper in redox reactions), but they are not recognized as glucose tolerance factors.