Sample size was calculated by using the computer program G-power. Mean HbA1c of patients with HbA1c 7-8,5% in a general practise in our region is 7,70% (SD 0,44). Powered to detect a 0,5% absolute reduction in HbA1c in the six-month follow-up of patients treated with chromium as compared to placebo patients. With a power 95%, alpha 0.05 2-tailed, the total sample size is 44 (22 in the first group and 22 in the second group).