Glucosamine

[peggy0]

I've read that Glucosamine can create insulin resistance. Most senior dog foods and Blue Buffalo that I feed forbin have it as an ingredient. Any info on this one?

[k9diabetes]

Re: Glucosamine

This has been a subject of debate for as long as I've been on forums - my sense is that it does not seem to be a problem for dogs.

I can say that Chris took a glucosamine supplement, Cosequin, for years and it had no effect on his blood sugar.

We did first try some off-the-shelf supplement from Petco that had a lot of other stuff in it, and that did raise his blood sugar but my guess is that it was the other junk in it.

Natalie

[AlisonandMia]

Re: Glucosamine

I have read/heard of glucosamine being a possible issue with human diabetics - presumably principally Type 2 diabetics - or even in people who are not yet diabetic but tending in that direction. Considering diabetes in dogs is far more akin to Type 1 in humans (autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas) and Type 2 arises largely from a form of insulin resistance to which dogs appear not to be vulnerable then it does make sense that glucosamine doesn't appear to cause a problem with diabetic dogs.

I wonder if it can cause problem in some diabetic cats? As I understand it many (but not all) cases of diabetes in cats is more analogous to human Type 2.

Alison

[BestBuddy]

Re: Glucosamine

Buddy ate a senior for for over 4 years that had glucosamine in it and I also supplemented some more glucosamine when he looked like his bones were aching and never had an issue with it.

Jenny

[JuliaAnne]

Re: Glucosamine

Sable was on glucosamine for years (also I took her to a chiropractor sometimes) and it seemed to help her with her joint aches and pains but I was nervous about it and took her off when she was diagnosed for just the reason you stated - I read a lot for and a lot against and I also read the ingredients. I am sure a good one would be okay but for now I have her off and she seems to be getting around okay especially since she lost weight and I give her a quick massage at night!

[jbyork]

Re: Glucosamine

My dog was diagnosed as a diabetic in Dec 2009. She was on Glucosamine Hydrochloride (ProPet Advanced Joint Care tabs), but my vet recommended taking her off of it until we have her glucose levels under control.

[Bagel's Mom]

Re: Glucosamine

How about Synovi?