Glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane -- MSM for short -- are often combined with chondroitin in supplements to help reduce chronic joint pain and inflammation in people with arthritis, osteoporosis and other joint conditions. If you have diabetes in addition to osteoporosis, talk to your doctor before using this type of supplement. Taking a combination of glucosamine and MSM may have negative side effects, especially in people with diabetes.
Elevated Blood Sugar
Treatment with glucosamine may cause an increase in the amount of sugar in your blood. If you are taking a supplement that contains glucosamine, monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis. If you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar levels for any reason, consult your primary medical provider. A spike in blood sugar may cause symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Medication Interactions
If you take insulin or blood sugar lowering medications such as glimepiride, chlorpropamide, glyburide or glipizide, talk with your doctor before using supplements that contain glucosamine. Your doctor may need to adjust the amount of diabetic medications you take each day to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
Additional Side Effects
Supplementing your diet with glucosamine and MSM may cause additional side effects. MSM and glucosamine can cause stomach discomfort, such as nausea, bloating, heartburn or diarrhea. You may also feel unusually fatigued or have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, RxList warns. If you experience unusual itching sensations, or develop hives, difficulty breathing or facial swelling, seek immediate medical care. Treatment with glucosamine may cause a severe allergic reaction in people who are allergic to shellfish.
