American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes explanations to enhance understanding. Boost your confidence and readiness for the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which mineral deficiency can lead to poor glycemic control?

Copper
Selenium
Chromium
Zinc

The correct answer is: Chromium

A deficiency in chromium is directly linked to poor glycemic control. Chromium plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It enhances the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. When chromium levels are inadequate, the body's ability to utilize glucose efficiently is impaired, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and contributing to conditions such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, while other minerals like zinc, selenium, and copper have important roles in various metabolic processes, their direct implications on glycemic control are not as pronounced as that of chromium. Zinc, for instance, is important for insulin storage and release, but its deficiency does not have the same clear connection to glycemic control as chromium does.