Glucosamine

[veganlass]

On the 23rd january I started taking 1000mg of Glucosamine one a day. Eight days later I developed heart palpatations. Thats when I went to doc's, had urine tested, glucose shown. Bloods on that day showed the blood glucose as 12.4. Was told to come back for fasting blood sugar and the rest is history.

Soon as I was told there was sugar in the urine, I stopped the Glucosamine immediately had taken it for 8 days.

I waited a couple of weeks after stopping it to have my fasting blood sugar.

Googling and found that taking it can cause raised blood glucose and heart palpatations . The palpatations have stopped now have not had them for 4 days now.
So could taking this cause it?. Can it do permanent damage?.

Whats your thoughts on this?.

 

[Robster65]

Hi veganlass.

I've just googled it and the wikipedia article (so make your own judgements) states that it is found to be safe at recommended doses, although recent studies have found that it is unlikely to have any positive effect beyond placebo.

If you overdose, it states there is some evidence that it can attack pancreatic cells, contributing to diabetes. You would need to either do your own research beyond this or seek properly qualified medical advice to find out whether it has contributed to your situation.

I would always urge caution before taking supplements that you haven't been specifically advised to take by a doctor and then only in recommended doses.

Rob

 

[Caroline]

I agree with doing research before taking supplements as many are known to affect the way the medications we need to take work.

Many things are found in the food we eat so for my own part, and with a balanced diet, unless told it is medically necessary I do not take or use supplements. It is a personal thing.

 

[veganlass]

I will just have to take brufen for my 'Screws' ..

 

[margie]

I will just have to take brufen for my 'Screws' ..

You could have a word with your pharmacist and see if they have any other ideas of what may help. They tend to have an understanding of complimentary as well as standard treatments and their interactions.

 

[veganlass]

Thanks Margie. I have painful shoulders due to them taking the strain of my weakened arms and hands.

 

[Alan S]

On the 23rd january I started taking 1000mg of Glucosamine one a day. Eight days later I developed heart palpatations. Thats when I went to doc's, had urine tested, glucose shown. Bloods on that day showed the blood glucose as 12.4. Was told to come back for fasting blood sugar and the rest is history.

Soon as I was told there was sugar in the urine, I stopped the Glucosamine immediately had taken it for 8 days.

I waited a couple of weeks after stopping it to have my fasting blood sugar.

Googling and found that taking it can cause raised blood glucose and heart palpatations . The palpatations have stopped now have not had them for 4 days now.
So could taking this cause it?. Can it do permanent damage?.

Whats your thoughts on this?.

I took glucosamine for several years to treat my arthritis in my wrists. It worked marvellously.

Then I read a paper last year which found that Glucosamine may kill beta cells. Considering that mine are already depleted that's the last thing I or any diabetic with some remaining beta cells needs. I have not taken it since. I will try to hunt up the cite for you.

I had started ALA for other reasons just before that. My wrists are still OK and I think that the ALA is helping.

PS Found one of the articles: Too Much Glucosamine Can Cause the Death of Pancreatic Cells, Increase Diabetes Risk, Researchers Find

 

[Robster65]

Just found this, which is interesting. It suggests that glucosamine is superior to a placebo but much the same as NSAIDs, ie. ibuprofen or phenylbutazone.

http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band46/b46-2.html

So it looks like ibuprofen could be a good alternative, providing there are no side effects that cause issues.

Might be worth seeing if you can get some on prescription or at least discussing it with a doctor.🙂

Rob