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Glucosamine: Does it affect blood sugar?
Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glucosamine/AN01723
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell is board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. She's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic and an associate professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
The Aibonito, Puerto Rico, native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1994.
She's a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American College of Endocrinology, the American Diabetes Association and The Endocrine Society.
Dr. Collazo-Clavell is medical editor of diabetes content on Mayo's health information website and for "Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book." Her clinical interests include management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity and nutritional disorders.
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Question
Glucosamine: Does it affect blood sugar?
Is it safe to take glucosamine supplements if I have diabetes?
Answer
from Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Even though glucosamine is technically a type of sugar, it doesn't appear to affect blood glucose levels or insulin sensitivity. Some preliminary research had suggested that glucosamine might worsen insulin resistance, which can contribute to increases in blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. But subsequent studies refuted these findings.
Glucosamine is one of the most popular dietary supplements sold in the United States, although study results have been mixed regarding its ability to reduce osteoarthritis pain. While glucosamine doesn't appear to affect glucose levels or insulin sensitivity, the supplement can interact with other medications you might be taking — such as warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner.
Next questionMSM for arthritis pain: Is it safe?
- Glucosamine sulfate. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 20, 2011.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 20, 2011.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 10, 2011.
- Lovett E, et al. Advising patients about herbs and nutraceuticals: Tips for primary care providers. Primary Care Clinics Office Practice. 2010;37:13.
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