High Blood Sugar Symptoms, Causes And Treatment: Type 1 Diabetes Education From Phoenix Children's [ab0eb5]

2025-09-13

Understanding Creatine's Effect on Blood Sugar Levels: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to athletic performance, creatine is what is a good number for blood sugar level often touted as a must-have supplement. However, one of its potential side effects has sparked debate among health enthusiasts – how does creatine impact blood sugar levels?

Research suggests that taking high doses of creatine can lead to increased blood glucose concentrations in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes (1). This may be attributed to the fact that oral creatine supplementation causes a rapid increase in muscle phosphocreatine, which is then converted into ATP. As this process generates lactic acid as a byproduct, it can temporarily decrease insulin sensitivity.

Managing Blood Sugar Spikes: Can Creatine Be Blamed?

To better understand how creatine affects blood sugar levels, we must first consider the mechanisms underlying glucose regulation in the body. Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes and has been linked to chronic inflammation (2). Given that oral creatine supplementation can stimulate an increase in muscle protein synthesis while also increasing intramuscular heat production, it may exacerbate insulin resistance.

Studies investigating this relationship have provided mixed results, however. A review by the International Society of Sports Nutrition found no conclusive evidence linking creatine supplementation a1c blood sugar conversion with changes in glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity (3). Despite this ambiguity, some researchers argue that individuals who consume high amounts of protein alongside oral creatine may experience blood sugar dysregulation.

Can Creatine Help Regulate Blood Sugar? Uncovering Its Potential Benefits

While the relationship between creatine and blood sugar levels is still being researched, there are indications that it avocado reduce blood sugar could potentially contribute to improved glucose metabolism in certain contexts. One potential application area for this discovery lies in cancer treatment research – where altered carbohydrate metabolism plays a critical role.

Recent studies have suggested that oral creatine supplementation may enhance insulin signaling pathways while also reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation within the muscle tissue of type 2 diabetic patients, thereby improving their metabolic profiles (4).

Welcome to Type 1 Diabetes Education from Phoenix Children's, a helpful video series that addresses some the most frequently asked questions about type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. In this video, we'll cover the basics of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in children with type 1 diabetes, including: • Symptoms of high blood sugar • Causes of high blood sugar • Treatment and management of high blood sugar • The importance of consulting with your diabetes care team on managing high blood sugar The Diabetes Program at Phoenix Children’s provides comprehensive care for those with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and diabetes related to other diagnoses such as cystic fibrosis and transplants. To learn more or schedule an appointment • Visit • Call us at 602-933-0935
High Blood Sugar Symptoms, Causes and Treatment: Type 1 Diabetes Education from Phoenix Children's