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Diabetes Q&A | Blood Glucose Monitoring | I take glucosamine every day. Can it af
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10/19/09 02:17 PM

"I take glucosamine every day. Can it affect my blood glucose reading?"
Asked By: frank144  
Category: Blood Glucose Monitoring

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Expert Answers (1)

10/23/09 10:07 AM

Hello Frank144: Glucosamine (C6H13NO5) is an amino sugar and a precursor in the synthesis of the glycosylated proteins and lipids in the body.(No food carb). Glucosamine is part of the structure of the polysaccharides chitosan and chitin, which compose the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other arthropods, cell walls in fungi and many higher organisms. Glucosamine is one of the most abundant monosaccharide. It is produced commercially by the mixing of water and crustacean exoskeletons or, less commonly by fermentation of a grain such as corn or wheat. The literature has several studies regarding its potential influence to insulin resistance or 'if' it impacts any etiology of diabetes, or a (technically) hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. Several investigations have found
  • NO
  • evidence that this occurs. A review conducted by Anderson et al. in 2005 summarizes the effects of glucosamine on glucose metabolism in vitro studies, the effects of oral administration of large doses of glucosamine in animals and the effects of glucosamine supplementation with normal recommended dosages in humans, concluding that glucosamine does not cause glucose intolerance and has no documented effects on glucose metabolism. These review authors were financially supported by Cargill, Incorporated, Eddyville, IA, (a manufacturer of glucosamine) as mentioned in the acknowledgments section of the paper. Other studies conducted in lean or obese subjects concluded that oral glucosamine at standard doses does not cause or significantly worsen insulin resistance or endothelial dysfunction.

    Some controversy does surround its use, however, at this time it seems OK to me.

    The blood glucose results are impacted: medications, (as you indicate you do not take any at this time), diet, activities, illness, and other stressors. Monitoring is a great indicator or diabetes status. Thanks for calling on dLife.

    ABC's of diabetes :

  • A1c<7%
  • Blood Pressure<130/80
  • Tchol<200. Regards Sue
    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

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