Collagen for Diabetes: Advice from a Diabetes Educator
Collagen has become a popular supplement for a variety of health benefits, including improving skin, hair, nails, and joint health. But if you live with diabetes, you may be wondering: Should I be taking collagen too? Will it help with my blood sugar? Let’s break it down based on recent scientific studies, so you can make an informed decision.
Collagen and Type 2 Diabetes: A Positive Impact
A recent study involving individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) found some promising results. People in the study who took collagen supplements experienced improvements in their A1c levels, fasting blood sugar, and even fasting insulin levels. This suggests that collagen may help improve blood sugar control, which is essential for anyone living with Type 2 Diabetes. This kind of positive change can make a big difference in overall diabetes management.
Type 1 Diabetes and Collagen Depletion
While the benefits for people with Type 2 Diabetes are encouraging, studies show a different scenario for those with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). In a separate study, researchers found that people with Type 1 Diabetes had a 40% decrease in collagen deposition, regardless of how well their blood sugars were controlled. Collagen is an essential protein that helps maintain the health of your joints and connective tissues. When collagen is depleted, it can increase the risk of issues like frozen shoulder and other joint problems, which are more common in people living with diabetes. This highlights the importance of paying attention to collagen levels and considering supplementation.
Skin Dryness in Type 1 Diabetes
Another study involving mice with Type 1 Diabetes showed that a lack of collagen leads to increased dryness in the skin. Since people with Type 1 Diabetes already face challenges with skin health, collagen depletion can make these issues worse. Taking collagen supplements could potentially help mitigate skin dryness and improve overall skin health in people with diabetes.
Collagen and Insulin Sensitivity
In yet another study, individuals with Type 2 Diabetes who took collagen saw improvements in insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity can help improve blood sugar control, which is key in managing Type 2 Diabetes. Collagen supplementation appears to be a simple way to support your body’s natural processes and help improve diabetes-related issues.
Should You Take Collagen as a Diabetes Dietitian?
Based on these studies, it seems like collagen could offer several benefits for people living with diabetes. It’s important to note that collagen is not a miracle cure for diabetes—it’s a supplement that can support overall health. For people with Type 2 Diabetes, collagen may help improve blood sugar control and even support heart health by improving cholesterol levels. For people with Type 1 Diabetes, collagen supplementation may help combat the rapid depletion of collagen, which is linked to joint and skin health.
Conclusion: Why Collagen May Be Worth Trying
If you’re living with diabetes, adding collagen to your diet could be a beneficial way to support your body. The research suggests that collagen helps with blood sugar control, joint health, and skin dryness—three common issues for those with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. While more studies are needed, collagen supplements may already be an important part of your diabetes management routine.
