Let’s take a look at collagen and diabetes, and discuss if collagen supplements are good for diabetes and some of the best brands.
Collagen use continues to grow in popularity year after year, including among people living with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes. Below, we discuss safety, effectiveness, and some of my favorite brands for collagen and diabetes.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein found in the human body. In fact, it makes up about 30% of the protein found in your body. Collagen works in many different ways. It plays a role in different tissues, functions, and structures in the body including skin, bones, joints, blood vessels, and organs.
Our bodies can make collagen, a process called collagen synthesis. This process is essential for a healthy strong body and tissues. But, collagen synthesis slows down over time as we age. We see the effects of this through, less elastic skin, wrinkles, joint pain and stiffness, thinner hair, and other symptoms.
What are collagen peptides?
Some people choose to take collagen supplements called collagen peptides. Collagen molecules get broken down into chains of amino acids to make it easier for our bodies to digest and use them. These shorter chains of amino acids are called collagen peptides.
Taking collagen peptide supplements potentially provides the body with additional building blocks for collagen synthesis… as well as helps signal the body to make additional collagen.
In recent years, collagen supplementation has become increasingly popular, and research exists to support its effectiveness.
Does collagen have carbs?
Collagen is a protein and contains no carbohydrates.
Collagen peptides are made up of amino acids which are the building blocks for protein, and do not contain carbohydrates either.
Some companies may choose to add sugar or other sweeteners to their supplements to enhance the taste. If sugar is added to the collagen peptide supplement, then carbohydrates would be present.
Does collagen affect diabetes?
There is currently no quality evidence to show collagen supplements directly impact diabetes. But, based on the findings of many studies and what we know to be true about life with diabetes, collagen supplements may have an indirect effect on diabetes management.
Is collagen good for diabetes?
Potentially, yes. Here are a few ways that collagen supplements may indirectly help someone with diabetes:
- Collagen has been shown help support gut health and the gut microbiota. A healthy gut is associated with lower blood glucose values and decreased insulin resistance.
- Collagen contains glycine which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Inflammation, and stress on the body, can make blood sugars more difficult to manage.
- Collagen may help reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Reducing muscle soreness may make continuing an exercise program or plan easier and more likely. Consistent exercise can make blood sugars easier to manage.
Does collagen raise insulin levels?
There is no data to show that collagen supplements will increase insulin levels overtime. In fact, many studies have shown the opposite to be true: overtime collagen supplementation may help increase insulin sensitivity, and improve the body’s insulin response to food. And, we know that consuming protein along with carbohydrates can help promote more stable blood sugars than when carbohydrates are consumed alone.
Do collagen supplements increase blood sugar?
Collagen does not elicit a blood sugar response for most people, including those living with diabetes. There is no evidence to show that collagen increases blood sugar levels.
Can people with diabetes take collagen?
So, what’s the deal with collagen and diabetes? Can people with diabetes take collagen? Yes, people with diabetes can take collagen as part of their daily regular routine if they choose to. As we’ve shown above, it likely offers positive benefits for people living with diabetes.
As always though, you should check with your physician and diabetes care team before starting any supplement.
Can you take collagen with metformin?
Currently, no evidence exists to suggest that someone taking Metformin cannot also take collagen supplements. They do not appear to interact or interfere with each other.
How to use collagen peptides with diabetes
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, like collagen peptides. And, if given the go ahead and you’ve enjoyed learning about collagen and diabetes, here are some of my favorite ways to use collagen peptides while living with diabetes:
- Add it to your coffee
- Put it in a smoothie
- Add it to your favorite baked goods recipe
- Mix it into your morning yogurt
- Add a scoop to oatmeal
5 Best collagen powders for diabetes
Below are some of my favorite collagen peptide supplements for people living with diabetes. I’m sure many other great options exist, these are just the ones I have experience with. And, they all have no added sugar.
You can also find some of these in my Best Protein Powders for Diabetes post.
Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase a product, at no additional cost to you.
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein
- Primal Kitchen Unflavored Collagen Peptides
- Vital Proteins Collagen Professional line
- Now Foods BioCell Collagen
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides offers an unflavored collagen option that can be mixed into almost anything. I love that Vital Proteins is an established brand actively participating in collagen research and science.
2. Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein
Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein offers another great unflavored collagen option. The brand offers a high quality product that is great for people living with diabetes. Collagen sources include cow, fish, and chicken. You can mix their Multi-Collagen protein into so many different types of recipes.
3. Primal Kitchen Unflavored Collagen Peptides
Primal Kitchen Unflavored Collagen Peptides can be used in many different ways including soups, smoothies, coffee, and baked goods. This is another great example of an established brand offering an unsweetened option with lots of versatility.
4. Vital Proteins Collagen Professional line
The Vital Proteins Professional line includes three different products of flavorless, no added sugar collagen peptide powders. Each product contains specific strands of collagen peptides clinically tested to target hair, skin, bones and joints, and daily foundational needs.
I add a scoop of the Vital Proteins Professional Collagen Complex for Skin Hydration to my coffee each morning. I’ve also recommended the Bone & Joint formula to several family members as well.
5. Now Foods BioCell Collagen
Now Foods is a well established brand with some of the best quality control practices of any supplement brand in the US. Each of their products undergoes extensive quality control tests at each phase of the production process. Their unflavored collagen is a high quality option for people with diabetes.
Collagen peptides and diabetes
Ultimately, when it comes to collagen and diabetes, people with diabetes can take collagen safely. And, may see some indirect benefits to their diabetes management as a result of taking collagen. Speak with your doctor before starting any supplement though.
Collagen can be added to your daily routine in a variety of ways and there are many high quality brands and options on the market.
