Scientific review: Consuming glucosamine does not affect glucose metabolism

A comprehensive review of oral glucosamine use and its effect on glucose metabolism in normal and diabetic individuals has been accepted for publication in an upcoming edition of Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews.

The authors of the review, a team of experts in diabetes and glucose metabolism, concluded that consuming glucosamine as an oral supplement at typical levels does not adversely affect glucose metabolism.

The purpose of the review, commissioned by Cargill, was to investigate concerns that have been raised about glucosamine's purported effects on glucose tolerance in healthy people, and worsening of diabetes in the afflicted.

The authors found that the concentration of glucosamine in plasma is several orders of magnitude below what has been reported to impair glucose metabolism in vitro.