Knee osteoarthritis is the most popular type of osteoarthritis that causes extreme pain, especially as we age. Currently, there is no cure. To lessen knee pain, glucosamine is often suggested. In humans, glucosamine is required to make glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid. These are used to make collagen and the material that lines your joints. But as a supplement is glucosamine safe? Does it affect blood sugar?
Glucosamine is an amino (protein) sugar. It is produced naturally in humans and is obtained from the exoskeletons of shellfish, including shrimp, lobster, crabs, aspergillus and fermented corn. If you are sensitive to any of these sources, beware. There is also some concern about glucosamine raising eye pressure so if you have glaucoma, talk to your medical provider. Glucosamine might worsen asthma and some side effects that may be experienced include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, skin reactions or headache.
Research in people with normal glucose levels suggests glucosamine does not affect insulin sensitivity or plasma glucose. Some preliminary research had raised concerns that glucosamine might increase insulin resistance or decrease insulin production, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels and reduced glucose control in people with diabetes. However, most clinical research in healthy people and people with diabetes or obesity suggests glucosamine doesn’t have any significant effect on blood glucose or lipid levels when taken for up to 3 years.
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scales were used in a recent systematic review of glucosamine’s effectiveness in knee osteoarthritis. A total of 15 studies were selected. Global pain was significantly decreased in comparison to placebo, and pain, stiffness, and physical function had improved, however over-all the effects were not clear.
Some research suggests glucosamine only works for about half the population. Which half? Well, it is sometimes suggested if you are on it for 12 weeks, go off of it for two and see if the joint pain returns. While this is not medical advice, you could discuss this strategy with your own health care provider and see if first of all the supplement is right and safe for you and if the break from it is a good idea once you are on it.
This article is for educational purposes and is not intended for medical advice.
