Glucosamine is a natural compound that makes up healthy cartilage tissue. According to Doctors Foster and Smith, it has been used to treat osteoarthritis for more than 20 years in Europe. This compound has only recently started to get attention in the United States, and is being used by both medical doctors and veterinarians. Glucosamine supplements may help pets suffering from joint pain and degeneration, but should be used with caution in cats with diabetes.
Significance
Glucosamine is an amino sugar, usually produced by fermenting grain or hydrolyzing the skeletons of crustaceans. It can also be found in some fungi. Early tests suggested that glucosamine supplementation could interfere with diabetes treatment by changing blood sugar levels. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, current research shows that glucosamine has little to no effect on blood sugar levels in animals or humans.
Effectiveness
Glucosamine does not work for all pets. Results, if any, are visible only after at least eight weeks of treatment. According to Vet Info, some pets never show a change in arthritis pain or mobility. Supplementation must occur for the entire life of the cat, as symptoms recur after the treatment is discontinued. Owners of diabetic cats must be willing to monitor their pet's blood sugar and response to the supplement for the entire course of the treatment.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of glucosamine supplementation include vomiting and diarrhea. Higher dosages of the supplement are more likely to produce these effects. Failure to digest food correctly can result in blood sugar fluctuation in diabetic animals, making digestive upset a more serious problem in cats with an existing diabetic condition. Owners may need to feed their cats a different food or change the amount of insulin they administer if these side effect occur.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, human studies suggest that glucosamine has little to no effect on blood sugar levels when taken by mouth. However, injected glucosamine does increase insulin resistance and thus the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucosamine should be offered only orally, and cats receiving the supplement must be monitored carefully.
Considerations
While most evidence suggests that glucosamine is safe for diabetic cats, it should still be used only with caution. Owners should monitor blood glucose levels more frequently when using this supplement, and be aware of any behavioral or dietary changes in their pets. Glucosamine may also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners.
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