title: Clinical inquiries: Do glucosamine and chondroitin worsen blood sugar control in diabetes?
abstract: Despite theoretical risks based on animal models given high intravenous doses, glucosamine/chondroitin (1500 mg/1200 mg daily) does not adversely affect short-term glycemic control for patients whose diabetes is well-controlled, or for those without diabetes or glucose intolerance (SOR: A, consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence). Some preliminary evidence suggests that glucosamine may worsen glucose intolerance for patients with untreated or undiagnosed glucose intolerance or diabetes (SOR: C, extrapolation from disease-oriented evidence). Long-term effects are unknown; however, no compelling theoretical or incidental data suggest that long-term results should be different (SOR: C, expert opinion). Further studies are required to clarify the effects of glucosamine on patients with poorly controlled diabetes or glucose intolerance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Sourav
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poddar
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Tweed
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brandes
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D002807:Chondroitin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002807:Chondroitin; D005944:Glucosamine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs