Suresh Reddy Suresh Reddy Asked 9 months ago

Can diabetes take glucosamine?

My knees have been hurting quite a bit lately, and a friend suggested I try glucosamine supplements. I have diabetes, and I'm a bit hesitant to take anything without checking. Is it safe for someone with diabetes to take glucosamine?

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5 answers

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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Be careful because glucosamine is an amino sugar and can sometimes raise your blood glucose levels. If your doctor allows it for joint pain, make sure to compensate by walking at least 30-40 minutes daily. Physical exercise helps keep those sugar spikes in check naturally.

Sunita Hegde Sunita Hegde Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

In my experience, glucosamine supplements can cause minor fluctuations in fasting sugar. Instead of relying solely on pills, practicing gentle joint-freeing exercises (Sukshma Vyayama) and daily pranayama can help ease joint stiffness. Do consult your doctor before starting any chemical supplement.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Rajiv Nayan Rajiv Nayan Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Glucosamine tablets are quite expensive, costing around 500 to 1000 rupees a month, and they might spike your sugar. If you take them, you'll need to do more frequent sugar tests, which adds to the budget. Ask your government hospital doctor if there is a cheaper, safer alternative for your joints.

Harish Chawla Harish Chawla Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

When my knee pain started, I wanted to take glucosamine but my physician advised against it because my HbA1c was already 8.2. He told me it can interfere with insulin. I just stuck to my daily morning walks and controlled my diet, and my knees got better as my weight dropped.

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Gauri Deshpande Gauri Deshpande Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I would suggest avoiding glucosamine without checking with your doctor, as it is a form of sugar. For joint pain, I always suggest drinking warm milk with a pinch of pure turmeric and dry ginger powder at night. It is much safer for diabetics and reduces inflammation naturally.

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