Glucosamine is a very popular product on the market. It's used to stimulate growth of the joint cartilage. Many patients with osteoarthritis are using it with good results.

Glucosamine can affect insulin. It can keep the pancreas from forming insulin. Or it can affect how quickly insulin does its job. Insulin keeps the body from having too much sugar in the blood.

If you are already borderline diabetic, then some doctors advise stopping the use of glucosamine. Others suggest monitoring each patient carefully. There are no specific guidelines yet. Not enough is really known about each herb and how it affects individuals.