Which sign is observed in PN patients with inadequate chromium intake?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Rhabdomyolysis

Answer: (C)

Chromium is essential for normal insulin action and glucose uptake. Inadequate chromium intake in parenteral nutrition can impair insulin signaling, reducing the body's ability to use glucose effectively. This insulin resistance leads to higher blood glucose levels, i.e., hyperglycemia. So the observed sign in PN patients with chromium deficiency is hyperglycemia. Weight changes or low glucose (hypoglycemia) aren’t direct consequences of chromium deficiency, and rhabdomyolysis isn’t related to chromium status in this context.