- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell is board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. She is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic and an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
The Aibonito, Puerto Rico, native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1994.
She is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American College of Endocrinology, the American Diabetes Association and The Endocrine Society.
Dr. Collazo-Clavell is medical editor for the Web site's diabetes content and the book "Mayo Clinic on Managing Diabetes." Her clinical interests include management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity and nutritional disorders.
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Question
Glucosamine: Does it affect blood sugar?
Is it safe to take glucosamine for mild osteoarthritis pain if I have diabetes?
Answer
from Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Some preliminary studies suggest that glucosamine may worsen insulin resistance, which contributes to elevated blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Although more research is needed to clarify these findings, it's probably a good idea to avoid taking glucosamine if you have type 2 diabetes.
It's important to note that glucosamine hasn't been proven to improve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. So, if osteoarthritis pain is a problem, consult your doctor about treatment options.
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