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Medications

There have been various articles (for example, June 2000 issue of Nutrition Science News, and The Lancet, 1999; 354:353) reporting that Glucosamine may increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, which could increase blood glucose. There are some anecdotal reports that some people with diabetes noticed an increase in their blood glucose after taking Glucosamine, which required a corresponding increase in their diabetes medication. Others have not seen this effect.

More recently, a small study reported in the July 14, 2003 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine found that glucosamine did not affect blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. As reported in the February 2004 issue of Diabetes Forecast, there is evidence that glucosamine in standard doses is safe and effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain, at least over the short term. Studies suggest that it works as well or even better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen.

This study involved 34 people with type 2 diabetes-- most of them were elderly and taking insulin or diabetes pills. For 90 days, 22 people took 1,500 mg. of glucosamine hydrochloride combined with 400 mg. of chondroitin sulfate, while 12 people took a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).

Results:

There was no significant difference between the A1C results in either group, prior to or after the treatment. No one in either group had to change his or her diabetes treatment regimen.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that oral glucosamine did not have a clinically significant effect on the glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Caution: In Diabetes Forecast, the "Diabetes Advisor" cautioned that the FDA does not oversee supplements such as glucosamine with the same rigorous standards it does with drugs. So until the new FDA rules on supplement quality take effect, be sure to look for a USP seal on the bottle to indicate that the product meets certain minimum standards.

Recommendations:

• First, check with your doctor.
• If your doctor agrees to let you try Glucosamine, check your blood glucose more frequently so you can determine what, if any, effect the Glucosamine has on your diabetes control.