GLUCOSAMINE AND INSULIN RESISTANCE: A SYNTHESIS OF CURRENT RESEARCH

Abstract

In the early 1980's, Glucosamine Sulfate was introduced as a non -FDA approved, herbal supplement for the treatment of oteoarthritis (Adams, 1999).Preliminary evidence shows that long -term use of Glucosamine can slow joint space narrowing caused by osteoarthritis (Adams). Animal studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of glucosamine. Glucosamine's insulin resistant property was discovered during the animal studies. The purpose of this project was to conduct a review of the literature to determine if there was enough human anecdotal and /or rat empirical data to warrant further study in humans on the impact of glucosamine on insulin resistance. Data gathered in this project provided evidence that glucosamine leads to insulin resistance in animals. Awareness of the insulin resistant properties of glucosamine noted in animal studies, coupled with the lack of well -controlled studies of effect and impact on humans, demonstrates the need to continue study in humans to determine the effect of glucosamine on insulin resistance in humans.