Glucosamine & Chondroitin

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mislissa777

Member Since 2010
Hello,
I've done a lot of searching & can't seem to find a definite answer if glucosamine & chondroitin would effect diabetes in any way. Actually at this time, Trina has been in remission for 2 mths after being diabetic for 8 years. Crazy! But I'm very concerned that if I start giving her these supplements it may cause her to go out of remission. I've compared numerous brands of sprinkle capsules from Cosequin, GNC Ultra Mega hip & joint, Dr.s Foster & Smith & a few brands natural brands as well. Most of them have a caution statement noted to check with your vet if your cat has a history of diabetes (it also lists a few other issues to check about as well, not just diabetes.) I called my vet & she wasn't in but the vet filling in said there shouldn't be anything in it do cause remission to end. I would still like other opinions. I'm very hesitant to give her these supplements but she had an incident recently where something happened to her back leg & she couldn't walk well for about a week. Dr. thinks knee cap seemed loose. X-rays showed nothing abnormal. She took meds & is much better now but since she's 15 I was thinking she may need these supplements. Have any of you had good or bad experiences with these supplements? (I keep wondering why these products say to check with your vet before using if diabetic. It makes me leery.)
Thank you!
Missy & Trina
 
Same here,I have been giving Bailey cosiquin sprinkle capsules for the past year,without any problem,where does it say not to be given to diabetics? Diane
 
Hi Diane,
I just checked Cosequin & do not see that written on the Cosequin bottle. But it is on all the other similar products that I've checked. It states :
CAUTIONS:Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven. Consult with your veterinarian before using this product in animals: with clotting disorders; being treated with anticoagulant medications; with diabetes or any metabolic disorder causing hyperglycemia; with a history of urinary tract stones; with known allergies to shellfish. If lameness worsens, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian. Administer during or after the animal has eaten to reduce incidence of gastrointestinal upset. Federal law prohibits the off-label use of this product in ruminants.
Sorry! I've been looking at sooo many different types that I didn't realize the Cosequin didn't say that.
Thank you!
 
Hiya,

My non-diabetic with arthritis seemed to really benefit from taking Cosequin (a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement).

If my diabetic boy, Bertie, develops arthritis/joint problems in the future I would not hesitate to try him with the same and/or similar supplements irrespective of the effect on his blood glucose levels. That's because arthritis/joint problems can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and I want my cats to be as comfortable as possible. If it became apparent that it was raising Bert's blood glucose levels at all then I'd compensate by giving him more insulin. No biggie. However, as you've read from others' experiences here, Cosequin seems not to raise blood glucose levels in diabetics. Hooray! :smile:

Here's hoping your cat feels much better soon.

Hugs,

Eliz
 
That is good news Elizabeth,I am so pleased that they are helping your kittie, Bailey has been on Cosyquin for the past year,he still lowers himself down very cautiously,they don't seem to have made a great deal of difference,but there again I don't know if he would be worse if he wasn't on them. Just out of interest what dose do you give?
Trina I think the benefits for me,
out way the possibility of a bg rise,as Elizabeth says arthritic pain is so debilitating,so I will keep him on them.

Diane
 
Cosequin is good for over the counter use. If the condition worsens, you might look into an injectable, prescription medicine. My cat, Buster is showing the beginning stages of arthritis (which can been seen via x-ray). We have been using Adequan, which is injected subcutaneously, and it seems to be working pretty well. I think there is a similar product in Canada and UK, but the name of it is escaping me - Cartrophen?? I'm glad Trina is OTJ and I hope her lil joints feel better soon!
 
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