Glucosamine is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. It provides strength, flexibility, and elasticity to cartilage and connective tissue by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans, molecules that hold joint tissue together. Glucosamine also decreases inflammation that can lead to the joint destruction of arthritis.

Because of some studies done several years ago involving high dose glucosamine injected into participants, there has been some concern that glucosamine might lead to insulin resistance or even diabetes and might make diabetes worse.

A study published in the July 14, 2003 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine tested whether or not taking oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, a popular type of treatment for osteoarthritis pain, is safe for type 2 diabetics.

In the 90-day study, 34 mostly elderly patients received either a placebo or 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate. Most of the patients were already taking drugs for glycemic control, and four participants withdrew from the study.

The dose tested is what is routinely recommended by doctors for arthritis treatment.

The researchers found that the supplements did not alter hemoglobin A1c concentrations.

Hemoglobin A1c is a measure of the amount of glucose clinging to red blood cells in the blood. It is good indicator of overall blood glucose control over a period of 3 months. The fact that the glucosamine and chondroitin taken did not have any effect whatsoever on these levels ii an excellent indicator that these supplements did not altering blood sugar control.

The researchers concluded that this dosage does not significantly alter glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.

This is good news for people with both diabetes and arthritis. 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate in pill form are still one of the safest and most effective arthritis treatments available, even for type 2 diabetics.