| Glucosamine is a substance that occurs naturally in | | | | recommended by doctors for arthritis |
| the human body. It provides strength, flexibility, | | | | treatment.The researchers found that the |
| and elasticity to cartilage and connective tissue by | | | | supplements did not alter hemoglobin A1c |
| stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans, | | | | concentrations.Hemoglobin A1c is a measure of |
| molecules that hold joint tissue together. | | | | the amount of glucose clinging to red blood cells in |
| Glucosamine also decreases inflammation that can | | | | the blood. It is good indicator of overall blood |
| lead to the joint destruction of arthritis.Because of | | | | glucose control over a period of 3 months. The |
| some studies done several years ago involving | | | | fact that the glucosamine and chondroitin taken |
| high dose glucosamine injected into participants, | | | | did not have any effect whatsoever on these |
| there has been some concern that glucosamine | | | | levels ii an excellent indicator that these |
| might lead to insulin resistance or even diabetes | | | | supplements did not altering blood sugar |
| and might make diabetes worse.A study published | | | | control.The researchers concluded that this |
| in the July 14, 2003 issue of the Archives of | | | | dosage does not significantly alter glucose |
| Internal Medicine tested whether or not taking oral | | | | metabolism in diabetes patients.This is good news |
| glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, a | | | | for people with both diabetes and arthritis. 1500 |
| popular type of treatment for osteoarthritis pain, | | | | mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and 1200 mg of |
| is safe for type 2 diabetics.In the 90-day study, | | | | chondroitin sulfate in pill form are still one of the |
| 34 mostly elderly patients received either a | | | | safest and most effective arthritis treatments |
| placebo or 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride | | | | available, even for type 2 diabetics.Barbara Allan is |
| and 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate. Most of the | | | | publisher of the website ArthritisArticles.org where |
| patients were already taking drugs for glycemic | | | | expert authors provide info on arthritis treatment |
| control, and four participants withdrew from the | | | | and more. Click here for more information on |
| study.The dose tested is what is routinely | | | | glucosamine. |