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Herbs & Supplements
2-Amino-2-Deoxyglucose
Scientific Name: Glucosamine
Other Names: Chitosamine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Glucosamine Sulfate, N-acetyl Glucosamine
When should I be careful taking it?
Precautions
Very little information is available on how glucosamine might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or during early childhood.
The source of glucosamine is not required to be stated on the label. Since it may be made from crabs, lobsters, shrimp, or other shellfish; individuals who are allergic to these foods may also be allergic to glucosamine. Individuals with allergies to shellfish should not use glucosamine unless it can be verified to come from a synthetic source.
Results from a few small studies suggest that injected glucosamine supplementation may raise blood sugar for some individuals whether or not they have diabetes. While insulin levels did not always change, blood sugar amounts went up for some individuals, including some who previously had not been diagnosed with diabetes or glucose intolerance (blood sugar levels that consistently are higher than normal, but not high enough to indicate diabetes). Therefore, it is possible that injected glucosamine--particularly in doses higher than recommended amounts--may interfere with the use of insulin by muscle cells. In individuals with diabetes, blood sugar levels may become too high and diabetes may not be well controlled. Study participants using oral glucosamine did not experience changes in blood sugar.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
