The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Glucosamine and Metabolic Health: What You Need to Know with Dr. Ben Bikman

Oct 24, 2024

Dr. Ben Bikman dives into the complex relationship between glucosamine and metabolic health. While commonly known for joint pain relief, the effectiveness of glucosamine is debated. The podcast reveals its potential to interfere with insulin signaling and elevate blood glucose, particularly in those with insulin resistance. Interesting studies show varying effects on metabolic health, suggesting that glucosamine might pose risks for some individuals. Overall, the importance of monitoring and understanding individual metabolic health shines through.

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INSIGHT

Glucosamine and Joint Health

Glucosamine is an amino sugar important for cartilage formation, often taken to reduce joint pain.
Its effectiveness is debated with studies showing modest or no improvement beyond placebo.

INSIGHT

Glucosamine Uses Glucose Transporters

Glucosamine can enter cells via glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT2 due to structural similarity.
GLUT2 has a higher affinity for glucosamine than glucose, facilitating efficient cellular uptake.

INSIGHT

Glucosamine Impairs Insulin Sensitivity

Clinical studies show glucosamine infusion reduces insulin sensitivity and raises blood glucose in people with diabetes family history.
Those without genetic risk show less or no metabolic disturbance from glucosamine.

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In the recording of today’s livestream episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman explores glucosamine’s impact on both joint and metabolic health.

Glucosamine, commonly used as a supplement to alleviate joint pain, especially in osteoarthritis, is an amino sugar that plays a role in cartilage formation. However, its effectiveness in improving joint health is debated, with some studies suggesting modest benefits, while others find it no better than a placebo.

Dr. Bikman shifts the focus to glucosamine’s metabolic effects, explaining that due to its structural similarity to glucose, glucosamine can enter cells via glucose transporters, particularly GLUT1 and GLUT2. Once inside cells, glucosamine can contribute to the production of UDP-GlcNAc, a molecule that interferes with insulin signaling, potentially leading to insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels. This effect is particularly concerning for individuals with underlying insulin resistance or a family history of type 2 diabetes.

Ben refers to several studies, with most finding that glucosamine supplementation can impair insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose levels in people with metabolic issues, while having little to no effect in metabolically healthy individuals.

Dr. Bikman concludes by advising that glucosamine may not be worth the risk for people with metabolic health concerns, while for those who are metabolically healthy, it is likely safe to use. However, he stresses the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels if taking glucosamine and suggests other strategies for improving joint health, such as improving insulin sensitivity and reducing uric acid levels.

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Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10)

visit: https://www.insuliniq.com

References:

Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to, which in this case is “Episode 75 - Glucosamine and Metabolic Health: What You Need to Know.”

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