Best Collagen Supplements for Diabetes(The Ultimate Guide)

The best collagen supplements for diabetics 

If you have a diabetes diagnosis you know the importance of minimizing carbs intake and eating more protein. And that is well and good if you love all that beef, chicken fish, and eggs and can eat enough to keep up with the RDV.

But some people including me just don’t want or like to eat that much meat and dairy.

Yes, legumes can provide protein too but you may still need to fill some gaps because as a diabetic you actually lose more collagen than regular people.

And that is why taking a collagen supplement can be very helpful in meeting your body’s need for collagen.

Collagen has been gaining popularity in recent years as a go-to supplement for various health benefits, including skin health, joint support, and gut healing.

But did you know that collagen can also be beneficial for individuals with diabetes?

In this post, we’ll explore what collagen is, how it changes as we age, its relevance to diabetes, sources of collagen, different forms available, and the best types of collagen supplements for those managing diabetes.

Best collagen supplements for diabetes

Here are the top picks for the best collagen supplements for diabetes

1 . Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

2. Ancient Nutrition Collagen Powder Protein with Probiotics

3. Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides Powder 

4. ForestLeaf Multi Collagen Pills with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C | Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplements

5. Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides

6. Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement

8 .Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

9. Sports Research Organic Collagen Peptides 

10. Live conscious Collagen Peptides Powder –

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, providing the building blocks for our skin, hair, nails bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments,  teeth, and other connective tissue. Collagen is also found in other body organs including joints, the gut lining, and blood vessels.

Collagen provides structural support, elasticity, and strength to various tissues and organs.

Collagen accounts for about 30 % of the protein in the body and is often referred to as the “glue” that holds our body together.

Since collagen is a protein, it’s made up of amino acids, and the main amino acids that make collagen are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. 

Types of collagen

According to NIH, there are 28 types of collagen all containing at least one triple helix and these collagens form supra-molecular assemblies in the extracellular matrix that help organize and shape tissues. 

They also interact with cell surface receptors to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration (source). 

However, there are  5 main collagen each with specific roles in different parts of the body. These main types of collagen include:

Collagen and Aging

As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint issues. 

The available collagen also breaks down more rapidly.

And after menopause, women lose even more collagen.

This can lead to various signs of aging, such as reduced skin elasticity and wrinkles, joint pain, and reduced bone density.

Additionally, the loss of collagen can impact overall cell turnover and wound healing.

These issues however are compounded when you have diabetes because the increased blood sugar causes more collagen damage.

Collagen in Diabetes (and Why it’s Important to Supplement)

We all lose collagen as we age but as a diabetic, you lose even more collagen.

The problem with diabetes is that there is a lot of sugar circulating and these sugar molecules attach to collagen causing it to harden and become stiff and nonfunctional. 

People living with diabetes lose even more collagen through a process called glycation.

This process forms – AGES or advanced glycosylated end products.

Unfortunately, this happens throughout the body causing collagen wasting.

  And this collagen wasting causes many diabetes complications and other health problems throughout the body such as the following:

• Skin health problems including dry and cracking skin, and slow wound healing
• Vascular health issues leading to heart disease, MIs and strokes
• Joint disease
• Leaky gut

How collagen helps in diabetes

Skin Health

Diabetes can lead to skin issues, including reduced elasticity and slow wound healing.

Supplementing with collagen can reduce the effects of increased collagen loss leading to slow wound healing, and extremely dry cracking skin.

Collagen supplements can lower the rate of lost collagen and help improve skin health and wound healing in diabetic individuals. Additionally, collagen supplements can improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails making you feel better about yourself. 

Vascular Health

Collagen is a vital component of blood vessel walls. and in diabetes, there’s an increased risk of vascular complications.

Since blood vessels are made of connective tissue, they too are affected by the AGES as well more so in diabetes.

Collagen supplements might support vascular health and prevent the hardening and stiffening of blood vessels thereby improving blood circulation. This can prevent serious health complications such as heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. 

Joint Health

Diabetes causes inflammation throughout the body including the joints. Healthy joints need collagen.

But if you have diabetes you are losing a lot of collagen leading to faster aging and joint disease. 

Many individuals with diabetes experience joint problems.

Collagen supplements can help maintain joint integrity and reduce discomfort.

Collagen supplements can help maintain normal blood sugars

Supplementing with collagen can also help improve blood sugar levels.

Collagen is a protein that helps to improve satiety. Diabetics tend to feel hungry often. However, eating more protein improves diabetic hunger.

So when you drink a smoothie with collagen or coffee with collagen, you will feel full for longer preventing you from reaching for snacks and other foods. 

Leaky gut

As an ae diabetic, you are more likely to experience a leaky gut or problems with gut health. This is because the lining of the gut is made of connective tissue which requires collagen to be healthy.

Diabetes causes inflammation and collagen wasting.

So supplementing with collagen can help keep your gut healthy.

However, it is important to eat for your gut health as well. 

Taking a collagen supplement can help replace lost collagen and improve bodily function, prevent faster aging, and improve skin, especially wound healing, inflammation associated with diabetes, gut health, joints and hair, and general functioning. 

Sources of Collagen

Collagen can be sourced from various animal and plant-based ingredients, including:

1. Animal Sources: Collagen is abundant in animal connective tissues, such as chicken, fish, beef, and pork. Collagen supplements often come from these sources.
2. Marine Collagen: Derived from fish skin and scales, marine collagen is known for its smaller particle size, making it easier for the body to absorb.
3. Plant-Based Collagen: While not technically collagen, some plant-based supplements contain ingredients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support collagen production.

Forms of Collagen

Collagen supplements are available in various forms, including:

1. Powder: Collagen powder can be mixed into beverages, smoothies, or food.
2. Capsules: Collagen is encapsulated for convenient consumption.
3. Liquid: Some prefer liquid collagen for quicker absorption.

Best Types of Collagen for Diabetes

Collagen supplements can be a valuable addition to the diabetes management toolkit. They may support skin health, wound healing, vascular health, and joint integrity.

When choosing a collagen supplement for diabetes, consider the following:

1. Type I Collagen: This type is abundant in skin, tendons, and bones and is often recommended for skin health and wound healing. As a diabetic you need more collagen to help with these health issues and to ensure faster wound healing, even prevent skin breakdown that leads to non healing wounds. 
2. Marine Collagen: Its smaller particle size may enhance absorption and bioavailability which will improve the collagen availability for healthy skin and joints. 
3. Collagen Peptides: These are hydrolyzed forms of collagen, broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules.

However, Keep in mind that it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have diabetes, to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific needs

The best collagen supplements for diabetes

1. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

This collagen supplement is sugar-free, and a serving size provides 20 grams of protein.

This is a great amount of protein and perfect to supplement daily intake. Vital collagen comes from pasture-raised grass-fed cows

This collagen supplement is also whole 30 and paleo-approved so you know they will be good for a diabetic. 

Easy to use and easily dissolves in hot or cold liquids so you can mix in coffee, or in your favorite smoothie or plain water. 

2 . Ancient Nutrition Collagen Powder Protein with Probiotics

This collagen supplement has added probiotics. This is great for diabetes because diabetes can mess up the gut and probiotics can help boost gut flora and improve digestion and gut health. Keep in mind that diabetes can cause gastroparesis so adding probiotics boosts digestion. 

Also, the added vitamin C in this collagen supplement boosts your own body’s collagen production. 

Also, this collagen is flavorless so can be mixed in any drink of your choice. 

Contains 10 types of collagen from beef, chicken, fish, and fermented egg shells. 

Note: This collagen contains fish and eggs so is not appropriate for anyone with a fish or egg allergy. 

3. Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides Powder

This collagen supplement provided 20g of protein per serving

It is also flavorless and dissolves easily in hot or cold water.

Also contains probiotics to support gut health

Is third-party tested and highly bioavailable. 

Is keto and paleo-friendly which means it won’t raise blood sugar. 

4. ForestLeaf Multi Collagen Pills with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplements

These hydrolyzed collagen supplements also contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid perfect for skin health.  Plus vitamin C will help boost your body’s collagen production.

As diabetic skin issues are common from dry itchy skin to ulcers, a collagen supplement with these added skin boosters is essential. 

And since these supplements come in they will be easy to take if you dont like to deal with powders and liquids. 

These supplements non GMO, dairy-free, eggs-free, and gluten-free. 

The capsule form makes taking these supplements convenient and you can just grab them pop and go. 

5. Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides

This primal Kitchen collagen peptide is unflavored so you can put it in coffee or your favorite beverage. It is also pale, Whole 30, keto-friendly meaning it’s perfect for diabetes.

It is also sugar-free and gluten-free with a serving providing 10g of collagen. 

The only thing is that you have to be careful not to expose it to heat when you store it as it can melt, and that also means when you order you need to be home for delivery due to the same reason. 

6.  Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement

This collagen supplement is a diabetic-friendly collagen powder because it is keto, and paleo-friendly, It is also gluten free, and offers 12 grams of collagen per serving.

Also, this collagen contains types I and III hydrolyzed collagen providing the amino acids necessary to support hair, skin, nail, and joint health. If you are diabetic these areas can really take a beating from diabetes.

So a collagen supplement such as this one is a great idea. 

This easily dissolved collagen is perfect for coffee, tea, smoothies, or recipes plus it dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids. It is flavorless and odorless, so you can easily use it in any drink of your choice.

It is also sugar-free- a great thing if you are diabetic or staying away from sugar which you should. 

7 MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy

Mary Ruths collagen boosting gums are actually not collagen. As the name suggests, they are collagen-boosting.

These are great for anyone who doesn’t like powders, or for when you are in a hurry and you hate the idea of swallowing pills or capsules.

They are sugar-free and also contain L-lysine, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. This supplement gummy is sugar-free, sweetened with malto, and is watermelon flavored, and is non-GMO, pectin-based, contains no Gelatin, and is made in a GMP facility. 

8. BioTrust Ageless Multi Collagen Protein Powder

Bio Trust collagen is made from grass-fed beef, sustainable fish, chicken, and eggshell membranes containing type I II, II, IV, and X.

That means this collagen offers most collagen types making it great for anyone especially someone who suffers from diabetes. 

Biotrust collagen powder is also great for a diabetic because it is sugar-free, and keto-friendly. 

However, if you have an egg or fish allergy, this collagen powder is not suitable for you. Additionally, you can feel good using this collagen because is ti third-party tested, it’s non-GMO, made from grass-fed cattle, and sustainable sources, and is free from antibiotics, and hormones. 

A serving size provides 10g of protein. 

9.  Sports Research Organic Collagen Peptides 

This collagen supplement contains types I and III collagen.

Each scoop provides 10 grams of low molecular weight organic collagen containing 18 amino acids – including eight (8) essential amino acids – and 9 grams of protein.

Also, this collagen powder is USDA organic, NSF gluten-free, non-GMO, and 3rd party informed-choice tested for banned and contaminated substances.

10. Collagen Peptides Powder 

This grass-fed collagen contains types 1 and 3 collagen peptides with a serving providing 11g of collagen. 

This is unflavored collagen powder dissolves well in most liquids so easily added to any beverage of your choice. 

Additionally, this collagen has great reviews so you are likely to enjoy it too. 

Final words about the best collagen supplements for diabetics

Collagen supplements are becoming more and more popular and for good reason given the impact on joint health, skin hair and nails, and overall health support they provide. 

And if you’re diabetic, collagen supplements can be incredibly beneficial for you.

Diabetes often leads to challenges like slow wound healing and skin problems. Collagen, being essential for skin structure, can accelerate wound healing and promote healthier skin, reducing the risk of infections and complications from slow-healing wounds.

Moreover, diabetes commonly affects joint health, causing discomfort and reduced flexibility. Collagen supplements, especially type II collagen, which supports joint cartilage, can help maintain joint health and alleviate issues like arthritis, which diabetics are prone to.

Additionally, these supplements support overall connective tissue health, vital for diabetics considering the impact of the condition on blood vessels and other connective structures.

However, always consult your healthcare professional before starting any supplements to ensure they are suitable for your specific health needs.

Remember that collagen supplements work best when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper diabetes management techniques.

Always prioritize a holistic approach to your health. 

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