Can glucosamine cause diabetes in dogs?

Arthritis is a common problem among aging dogs, and as such, there are many treatments available to ease their joint pain. One such treatment that has become popular recently is glucosamine. However, some people have been asking whether this supplement can cause diabetes in dogs.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the cartilage of joints. It helps to keep joints healthy by lubricating them and aiding the repair of damaged tissue. In essence, it exists for making sure your dog’s mobility does not give out entirely when you happen to be playing fetch outside.

Understanding Diabetes

Before we dive into whether glucosamine causes diabetes or not let us first understand what diabetes entails.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion. Chronic high blood glucose levels lead to poor circulation and serious complications such as heart disease; nerve damage leading to kidney failure

Depending on its severity, DM may require oral medication or daily injections because irregular sugar levels affect overall health_____.

In response- clinical studies say NO! Although anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise,

Some pet owners attribute fluctuating blood sugar levels which worsen after administering glucosamine – while others propose elevated insulin sensitivity leads it back up again.

Given these conflicting perspectives – Let’s look at hard facts!

## The Science behind Glucosamines
The widespread consumption of supplements containing chondroitin sulfate often used with curative intent, As explained earlier key benefits involve structural protection/promotion of proteins but data around this supplement causing harm remains inconclusive. Most veterinarians/researchers agree that enough research isn’t available when looking through purely scientific avenues.

Whilst results from past trials suggest an absence between any correlation linking dietary supplementation leading to increased risk of diabetes, some believe it might be unhealthy for the liver or cause insulin-dependent cells to degenerate.

Here’s an interesting table summarizing scientifically published data that suggests NO causal relationship between Glucosamine and Diabetes:

# Study Methodology
1 McGill et al., (2004) – Subjects given low carb high-fat diet + chondroitin sulphate daily over a period of 16 weeks.
– Blood sugar concentrations decreased while triglycerides showed no link to anything abnormal in either party
-HDL cholesterol levels were raised by about ten percent
-In conclusion: Chondroitin did not interfere with glycemic control during vigorous exercise OR lead to deterioration when monitored across clinical assessments
2 McAlindon T.E. Et al., (2014) – Participants aged above 68 yrs experimenting arthritis consumed glucosamine hydrochloride+chondroitin sulfate supplement intermittently.
-The research involved mainly caucasian males lasting six months but excepting looser stools experienced no other side effects
-Blood glucose measurements remained unaltered throughout testing incl treatments minus caffeine intake measures taken before each blood draw

Are Some Breeds Prone To Diabetes?

Yes! Certain breeds are more prone than others just like humans.

Some doggie breeds have higher incidences of this condition such as Beagles, Bichons Frises, Dachshunds among many others etc

Although there isn’t any real scientific proof confirming a correlation between administering glucosamines leading to canine diabetes – The importance lies with monitoring vital signs crucially observing changes/deterioration knowing there’s always alternatives should you identify critical health issues.

Remember older dogs sometimes exhibit reduced appetite which leads them towards consuming excessive amounts of food or alternatively depriving them of their daily calorie requirements. To mitigate complications surrounding weight gain/loss – ensure a healthier living lifestyle beyond incorporating supplements into diet routines.

Stay healthy fur friends!^_^

References:
Cartilage | Biology |” Encyclopaedia Britannica [online]
Cartilage Function, Location & Definition (chondro-)- ScienceDirect Topics
American Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry (JATP) Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus -Science Direct
Diabetic Neuropathy – “Mayo Clinic [website] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580)
Arthritis Solutions for Dogs –Zuke’s [Blog article]
Glucosamine Supplements Tested and Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com 2020 Report[Website]
The Right SUPPLEMENTS To Feed Your Pet; Dr. Roberty Silver Owners Natural Medicines[article]
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-is-my-dog-normal

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