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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.
00:00 - Introduction to Glucosamine and Joint Health
01:00 - What is Glucosamine and Why Do People Take It?
03:06 - Mechanism of Action: Glucosamine and Cartilage Repair
04:22 - Does Glucosamine Actually Work for Joint Pain?
05:23 - The Surprising Metabolic Effects of Glucosamine
06:24 - Glucosamine’s Structural Similarity to Glucose
08:08 - How Glucosamine Enters Cells via GLUT1 and GLUT2
10:06 - Clinical Studies on Glucosamine and Insulin Sensitivity
11:10 - Study: Intravenous Glucosamine and Insulin Resistance
13:26 - Study: Oral Glucosamine and Fasting Blood Glucose
15:31 - Study: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Effects on Metabolism
17:39 - Study: Glucosamine and Preexisting Metabolic Conditions
18:51 - The Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway Explained
20:04 - How Glucosamine Disrupts Insulin Signaling
24:00 - Speculative Mechanism: Glucosamine Competing with Glucose
26:02 - Practical Advice for Glucosamine Users
28:27 - Conclusion: Balancing Joint Health with Metabolic Health
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References:
Due to YouTube’s character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: [email protected] 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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