Creatine

Creatine is a popular nutritional supplement used in the amateur and professional fitness world. It is a substance made in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, but it can also be acquired from eating meats and fish. Creatine has been shown to increase muscle strength and muscle size as well as increase fat-free (lean) mass in conjunction with strength training (Becque et al. 2000). Interestingly, researchers have reported that creatine may facilitate the removal of glucose from the blood and may reduce gluconeogenesis (new production of glucose) in the liver in people with type 1 diabetes who have high blood glucose levels (Rocic et al. 1991). As with all supplements, much more definitive research needs to be done on creatine and glucose control before its use can be recommended in people with diabetes.

The study of nutritional supplements is a very active field, and many of the data available do not pertain to the enhancement of the treatment of diabetes. Thus, I do not recommend using any supplements without the guidance of your health care team, especially in the initial phases of your plan when you are vulnerable to other problems. At this point I do not encourage supplement use in my patients with diabetes because of lack of evidence of their safety or efficacy.

Whether you take a medication to control your glucose or are contemplating adding a supplement to your diet, you should now have some understanding of how these substances may affect your health. Keep abreast of changes in medications that you are currently taking and the development of new ones, and check with your doctor before making any changes to your diabetes treatment. These steps will help you stay on top of your action plan.