Can Glucosamine Help Protect Diabetic Kidneys?
Summary: A large study shows that regular glucosamine use may lower the risk of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy) in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it doesn’t significantly reduce the risk of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) or nerve damage (neuropathy). The findings highlight a potential new benefit of this popular joint supplement.
Could a common joint supplement also protect your kidneys if you have type 2 diabetes? Recent research says it just might!
Glucosamine: More Than Just a Joint Supplement
Glucosamine is one of the most popular supplements for easing osteoarthritis and joint pain. But did you know it might also help protect against complications linked to type 2 diabetes?
According to a study published in Nutrition & Diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes who regularly used glucosamine had a lower risk of developing certain microvascular complications, especially diabetic nephropathy, a serious kidney problem.
The study analyzed data from the large-scale UK Biobank, involving 21,171 adults with type 2 diabetes who were initially free of any microvascular complications.
Glucosamine and Diabetes - Study Findings
During a follow-up period of about 12.3 years, 4,399 participants developed diabetic microvascular complications, which included:
- 2,084 cases of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease)
- 2,401 cases of diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)
- 831 cases of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
Interestingly, about 14.5% of the participants reported habitual glucosamine use at the start.
Results showed:
- A 11% lower risk of overall microvascular complications among regular glucosamine users (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.97).
- A 13% lower risk specifically for diabetic nephropathy (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98).
However, there was no significant risk reduction for diabetic retinopathy (HR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.83–1.06) or diabetic neuropathy (HR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.71–1.08).
Important Notes About the Study
The findings are exciting but come with some important limitations:
- The study was observational, meaning it shows an association but cannot prove causation.
- Researchers didn’t have detailed information about glucosamine dosage or duration of use.
Still, as the authors put it, “Habitual use of glucosamine supplements was significantly associated with lower risks of composite microvascular complications and diabetic nephropathy but not retinopathy or neuropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes.”
Why This is important for People with Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetic microvascular complications, especially kidney disease, are major causes of
- Illness
- Reduced quality of life
Finding accessible, low-risk options like glucosamine that may help prevent these complications is valuable.
More research is needed; these findings could encourage healthcare providers to consider the broader benefits of glucosamine, especially for patients already managing joint health issues.
Conclusion: A Potential New Ally Against Diabetic Complications
Glucosamine, long celebrated for joint support, might have another important benefit: protecting kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of all diabetic complications, but its potential role in lowering diabetic nephropathy risk is promising.
Until more research confirms these findings, talk to your doctor before making glucosamine part of your diabetes care routine.
Inputs from various media Resources
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
