As a diabetic, you have to pay careful attention to what you put inside your body to build muscle mass. One of the age-old debates is whether diabetes and creatine can mesh well together. In conjunction with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and plenty of rest, diabetics generally can take creatine. However, it’s important to regularly check your blood glucose levels and consult a qualified healthcare professional to ensure that you can safely take creatine.

Creatine is one the most widely used supplements in the world used to improve power, strength, muscle gains and performance. It’s an organic amino acid that supplies energy to the muscle cells in your body.

Creatine and Diabetes Type 1 | Creatine and Diabetes Type 2 | Creatine and Blood Sugar | The Final Verdict | Frequently Asked Questions | Related Articles

The relationship between creatine and type 1 diabetes is relatively complex and the research to date is rather limited. But what we can confirm is that T1Ds can still enhance their power and muscle gains with the help of creatine. Consider a short-term trial period of taking creatine for about 2 weeks to determine how it affects you. During this time, keep a diary to track how you feel physically and mentally. You should also pay careful attention to your blood sugar levels throughout this process.

Can Type 1 Diabetics Take Creatine?

Type 1 diabetics can take creatine as long as they continue to eat a balanced diet, get enough rest and practice proper diabetes care. Keep in mind that there is a risk of complications if you take creatine for a long time without medical consultation. It can potentially cause liver, kidney or endocrinol damage if you take too much for too long. This is due to the body having to process more creatinine — a waste product produced by your muscles from daily activity. This is no different to any supplement or medication - The devil is always in the dose.

Most research regarding creatine and diabetes is centered on those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Overarchingly, it confirms that T2Ds can take creatine supplements as part of their exercise regime after consulting a doctor. *A clinical trial involving 23 type 2 diabetics concluded that creatine can be beneficial for the body. When combined with an exercise program, it improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. The underlying mechanism seems to be related to an increase in GLUT-4 recruitment to the sarcolemma.

Creatine and Insulin

Studies have shown that creatine can stimulate insulin secretion, improve muscle glycogen stores and help with hyperglycemia in animals. In combination with exercise, creatine has metabolic benefits such as boosting insulin-independent muscle glucose uptake, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

It’s essential to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before taking creatine supplements, especially as a newly diagnosed diabetic. They will assess your health condition and give you guidance on whether it is safe for you to consume creatine. If you are using insulin medication, exercise caution when taking creatine as it can alter your blood sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will creatine raise blood sugar?

There is limited research regarding creatine and raised blood sugar levels. However, it is believed to raise blood sugar levels in people without diabetes while slightly lowering blood sugar levels for diabetics.

Can creatine cause diabetes?

As it stands, there is no concrete proof that creatine on its own can cause diabetes. The known causes of diabetes include inactivity, obesity, genetics, hormonal diseases, insulin resistance and a range of other factors.

Does creatine affect diabetes?

Creatine does affect diabetes as it influences the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels.

Is creatine monohydrate safe for diabetes?

Creatine monohydrate is safe for diabetes if taken in combination with an exercise training programme and the approval of your healthcare provider.

Why is creatine bad for diabetics?

Creatine can be bad for diabetics if taken in large amounts or for too long without medical consultation. In some cases, it can cause liver or kidney damage, including kidney stones.