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Best Pre-Workout Supplements for People With Diabetes

Last Updated Jan 6, 2025

Some pre-workout supplements might not be the best choice for you if you have diabetes. If you are unsure which to opt for, find out from this article some of the products that may be best for you if you are particular about regulating your blood sugar level.

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Image illustrations of a man administering an injection, insulin medications and three bottles of supplements

One of the most frequent questions fitness coaches get from their clients who have diabetes is, "Can I take pre-workout supplements?" This is an important question because some pre-workouts may contain ingredients that are not ideal for people with diabetes.  

For example, caffeine, an ingredient in many pre-workout supplements, can cause increased blood glucose levels and a prolonged period of high blood glucose in people with diabetes.

This article covers how safe pre-workouts are for people with diabetes, recommends pre-workouts for them, and outlines factors to consider when shopping for a diabetes-friendly pre-workout. 

Can people with diabetes take pre-workout supplements?

Yes, people with diabetes can take pre-workout supplements. There are pre-workouts with ingredients that may benefit people with diabetes. These pre-workout supplements are typically stimulant-free and low in sugar.  

Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes, and pre-workouts can be useful in helping people with diabetes get through their workout sessions.

But if you have diabetes, it's important to form the habit of reading food product labels, including those of your supplements, before purchasing them to ensure they are not loaded with caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, which can negatively impact your health.

Roundup of the best pre-workout supplements for people with diabetes

Here's a round-up of the best quality pre-workouts that do not contain stimulants for people with diabetes:

  • Best pre-workout supplement without GMOs for people with diabetes: Pre-Series STIM-FREE
  • Best pre-workout supplement for people with diabetes containing Huzerpine-A: Pump Surge
  • Best pre-workout supplements for athletes with diabetes: Gorilla Mode Nitric
  • Best pre-workout supplement for boosting daily productivity in people with diabetes: Genuis Pre
  • Best pre-workout supplement for people with diabetes with nitric oxide: Six Star N.O. Fury Pre-workout
  • Best pre-workout supplement for people with diabetes with vitamin C: PEScience High Volume
  • Best pre-workout supplement for people with diabetes with coconut water powder: Swolverine's PRE
  • Best pre-workout supplement for people with diabetes with panax ginseng extract: ProSupps Dr. Jekyll Signature
Best Overall

PreSeries STIM-FREE by Transparent Labs

4.7

About

  • This product is produced and marketed by Transparent labs.

  • Certified by Informed Choice, a globally recognized accredited certification agency to ensure high standards are met for consumers.

  • Does not contain caffeine, which is a stimulant; hence, it is a great option for people sensitive to caffeine or those looking to limit their caffeine intake, such as those with diabetes

  • Does not contain nuts; hence, may be an ideal pre-workout option for people with nut allergies

  • Can be shipped to most countries worldwide; however, international orders may take about 10-14 business days

  • Key ingredients include: L-tyrosine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and taurine

Features

  • Comes in 8 flavour varieties.

  • Each product container contains about 30 servings and 17 grams per serving

  • Contains L-tyrosine, which improves alertness and concentration in stressful conditions and may improve working memory when performing a mentally demanding task

  • Supports blood sugar management; taurine, one of the key ingredients has been linked to improved blood sugar management and protection against the effects of diabetes-related complications

  • Enhances cognitive flexibility

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

8

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

Tested by Dyad Labs

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Suitable for high-intensity workouts

  • Comes in several varieties of flavors

  • Has no artificial coloring and sweeteners

  • Has only natural flavoring and stevia

  • Does not contain GMO

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Can cause a tingling sensation for some people

Pump Surge

4.5

About

  • Manufactured by Jacked Factory, a company in the United States that focuses on producing fitness consumer products, including pre-workouts and post-workouts.

  • Does not contain caffeine but relies on brain-enhancing nootropics and ergogenic boosters

  • Key ingredients include: L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Tyrosine, Huperzine A, Glycersize

  • Ingredients include nitric acid boosters, which optimizes muscle hydrations

Features

  • Each product container contains about 15 servings, with about 16.7g per scoop

  • Enhances blood flow and contains ingredients that enhance muscle cell hydration

  • Promises increased strength, endurance, and better mental focus

  • Optimized to prevent sleep disturbances

  • A serving contains 50 mcg of Huperzine-A, a nootropic that may benefit people with diabetes who have vascular dementia or Alzheimer's

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

6

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

No

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Multiple flavors available

  • Does not contain stimulant

  • Contains Astragin, which boosts absorption of the supplement's nutrients

  • Optimized to not cause jittery effects

Cons

  • Unpleasant texture

  • Tastes too sweet for some people

  • Expensive

Gorilla Mode Nitric

4.5

About

  • A product of Gorilla Mind that promises a significant boost of physical endurance and muscular strength, even though it's not a hormonal pre-workout

  • Stimulant-free and contains ingredients that raise nitric oxide level, which supports increased blood flow

  • Key ingredients include: L-citrulline, Creatine, Betaine Anhydrous, Glycerol powder, Inositol-Stabilized Arginine Silicate, Sodium Nitrate, Agmatine Sulfate

  • Meant to be consumed 30 minutes before workout

Features

  • There are about 40 servings per product container, with about 17.3 g of supplement per scoop

  • Enhances blood vessel dilation and blood flow

  • Boosts muscle strength and endurance

  • Sugar-free and actively increases muscle hydration

  • Contains creatine, which studies have shown can increase muscle mass and positively impact exercise performance

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

12

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

Tested by Dyad Labs

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Suitable for demanding workouts

  • Available in up to 12 flavors

  • High doses of ingredients

Cons

Genius PRE

4.3

About

  • Manufactured by The Genius Brand, which has been producing premium supplements for up to eight years out of a GMP facility in Georgia, United States

  • Does not contain banned substances and has non-GMO ingredients

  • Key ingredients include: Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, taurine, L-tyrosine, L-arginine, ancient peat and apple extract

Features

  • There are about 20 servings per product container, with about 15.9 g of supplement per scoop

  • Beta-alanine in the product can reduce oxidative stress in people with diabetes by increasing the level of the antioxidant, carnosine

  • Caffeine-free, helping ensure no jitters or sleep disturbances

  • Reduces post-exercise soreness

  • Enhances stamina and improves workout intensity

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

3

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

CGMP-certified, tested by Labdoor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Contains nootropics, which may help boost mental performance

  • Contains mostly natural flavors and sweeteners

  • Does not contain unnecessary fillers, preservatives, or proprietary blends

Cons

  • Not-so-great taste

  • Can cause a tingling sensation

  • Fewer flavors than other pre-workouts on this list

Six Star N.O. Fury Pre-workout

4.3

About

  • Manufactured by Six Star

  • Formulated for both beginners and advanced athletes, and to be taken 30 to 45 minutes before workout

  • Stimulant-free and can be taken every day

  • Key ingredients include: L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, L-arginine HCL, and L-citrulline

Features

  • Contains 60 caplets. Beginner athletes are to start with 3 caplets per serving, 4 caplets are recommended for intermediate and advanced athletes who weigh up to 200 lbs and 5 caplets for those weighing over 200 lbs

  • Oral supplementation of the ingredient L-arginine may increase insulin sensitivity and slow the progression of diabetes

  • Contains L-citrulline, which improves the production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that improves blood flow to working muscles and enhances performance during exercise

  • Enhances pumping of blood to the muscles

  • Improves physical performance

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Caplet

Flavor Varieties

0

Vegan Friendly?

May not be vegan-friendly

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

--

Third Party Tested/Certified?

--

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Convenient to use and does not require using a shaker cup

  • Affordable

  • The coating on the caplets masks the taste

Cons

  • Caplets are a bit large

  • Caplets tend to crack and disintegrate

PEScience High Volume Pump Powder

4.0

About

  • The manufacturer - PEScience, a U.S. company describes this product as the "king of pumps"

  • Key ingredients include: Arginine nitrate, agmatine sulfate, and L-citrulline, sodium, magnesium, vitamin C

  • Stimulant-free and great for people sensitive to caffeine

Features

  • Contains 36 scoops per container and supports about 18 servings per container

  • One of its ingredients, Vitamin C is an antioxidant, that may be beneficial in improving type 2 diabetes

  • Magnesium, which it contains regulates energy metabolism, and muscle and nerve function

  • Supports ability to work out even close to bedtime, as it doesn’t contain stimulant

  • Properly hydrates and improves blood flow to the muscles

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

9

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Promises not to cause tingling or skin itching

  • Has a variety of flavors

  • There's also an option to order samples to try the product before committing to a tub

Cons

  • Doesn't mix well

  • The powder easily gets clumpy

Swolverine PRE

3.7

About

  • Manufactured by Swolverine, a lifestyle and athlete brand

  • Key ingredients include: Beta-alanine, beta-alanine carnosyn, taurine, citrulline malate, betaine anhydrous, ginseng and coconut water powder

Features

  • There are about 25 servings per product container, with about 18.2 g of supplement per scoop

  • Citrulline malate and beta-alanine carnosyn, which are key ingredients, may help enhance muscle recovery and delay fatigue

  • Coconut water powder contains magnesium, which has been linked to increased insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes

  • Ginseng may help improve athletic performance and mental focus

  • Maximizes performance

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

1

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

Yes, Third-party tested by Lief and Micro Quality labs

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Good taste

  • Non-GMO and proprietary blend-free

  • Clinically dosed

  • Contains natural ingredients and antioxidant-rich superfoods like ginseng, coconut water and pomegranate

  • Contains little-to-no junks

Cons

  • Can cause a tingling sensation

  • Expensive

  • Comes in only one flavor

ProSupps Dr. Jekyll Signature

3.5

About

  • Manufactured by ProSupps, a company built by fitness enthusiasts for fitness enthusiasts

  • Stimulant-free

  • Manufacturer indicates that product is manufactured in a facility that also processes ingredients containing eggs, fish, milk, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, wheat, and soy

  • Key ingredients include: Choline bitartrate, inositol-enhanced arginine silicate, Panax ginseng extract, L-tyrosine, beta-alanine, creatine HCL, KSM 66, a patented form of Ashwagandha

Features

  • Each product container contains about 30 servings, with about 9.83 g per scoop

  • Its ingredient, Panax ginseng extract, may be helpful in regulating blood sugar level

  • Increases energy levels

  • Improves cognitive focus and muscle endurance

  • Ashwagandha may increase vitality, modulate stress, and support hormonal balance

Properties

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

3

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

Carries the Informed-Choice certification badge

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Mixes well

  • Tested for banned substances

Cons

  • Has only 3 flavors available - blueberry lemonade, strawberry and orange

  • Unpleasant taste

  • Can cause a tingling sensation

Comparison of best Pre-workout supplements for diabetic patients

4.7
4.5
4.5
4.3
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.5

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Powder

Powder

Powder

Caplet

Powder

Powder

Powder

Flavor Varieties

8
6
12
3
0
9
1
3

Vegan Friendly?

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
May not be vegan-friendly
Yes
Yes
Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
--
Yes
Yes
Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

No
CGMP-certified, tested by Labdoor
--
Yes
Yes, Third-party tested by Lief and Micro Quality labs
Carries the Informed-Choice certification badge
4.7
4.5

Overview

Product Form

Powder

Product Form

Powder

Flavor Varieties

8

Flavor Varieties

6

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Vegan Friendly?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Caffeine Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Gluten Free?

Yes

Third Party Tested/Certified?

Tested by Dyad Labs

Third Party Tested/Certified?

No

What to consider when choosing a pre-workout supplement if you have diabetes

People with diabetes need to be more careful about what they consume because their blood sugar levels can easily spike. 

With that in mind, here are the key things that should influence your choice of a pre-workout if you have diabetes. 

Ingredients

Products with ingredients known to spike blood sugar levels, worsen insulin resistance, or cause other complications in people with diabetes should be avoided.  

If you have an allergy, you should ensure that the pre-workout you intend to use does not contain the allergen that sets you off. 

The side effects of certain ingredients are also worth considering. Take time to investigate any unpleasant side effects an ingredient in a pre-workout supplement may have. 

For example, beta-alanine can cause a tingling sensation, a side effect known as paraesthesia. While some people don't mind this or even enjoy it, others dislike it.

Personal needs

The type of pre-workout you need depends on how long you work out, your fitness goals, and the conditions under which you exercise.  

Professional athletes with longer training sessions will likely need products with high doses of active ingredients that provide a prolonged energy boost and improves muscle endurance.  

People who work out in hot weather require more water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, a pre-workout rich in electrolytes will be more beneficial.  

Don't let diabetes stop you

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can negatively impact a person's quality of life and limit their ability to engage in physical exercise. But with the right pre-workouts, you can counteract its negative effects and still get great results from your workouts. 

Consult your doctor before using any pre-workout. Pre-workouts can contain ingredients that may interact with medications or complicate certain health conditions in people with diabetes who have comorbidities.

References

  1. Dewar, L., and Heuberger, R. (2017). The Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Control in People with Diabetes.
  2. Kalra, S., and Sahay, R. (2018). Diabetes Fatigue Syndrome.
  3. Colzato, L. S., et al. (2013). Working Memory Reloaded: Tyrosine Repletes Updating in the N-Back Task. 
  4. Steenbergen, L., et al. (2015). Tyrosine Promotes Cognitive Flexibility: Evidence from Proactive vs. Reactive Control During Task Switching Performance.
  5. Inam-U-Llah et al. (2018). Ameliorative Effects of Taurine Against diabetes: A Review.
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). The Effects of Diabetes on the Brain. 
  7. Zing SH et al. (2014). Huperzine A in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Meta-Analysis.
  8. Kreider, R. B., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Position Stand: Safety and Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation in Exercise, Sport, and Medicine.
  9. Klebanov, G. I., et al. (1998). Effect of Carnosine and Its Components on Free-radical Reactions.
  10. Kiani, A. K., et al. (2022). Dietary Supplements for Improving Nitric Oxide Synthesis.
  11. Monti, L. D., et al. (2012). Effect of a Long-term Oral L-arginine Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism: A randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial. 
  12. Chambial, S., et al. (2013). Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview.
  13. Gillani, S. W., et al. (2017). Combined Effect of Metformin with Ascorbic Acid Versus Acetyl Salicylic Acid on Diabetes-related Cardiovascular Complication; A 12-month Single Blind Multicenter Randomized Control Trial. 
  14. Ashor, A. W., et al. (2017). Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Glycaemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. 
  15. Morais, J. B. S., et al. (2017). Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Humans: A Systematic Review. 
  16. Shirreffs, S. M., & Sawka, M. N. (2011). Fluid and Electrolyte Needs for Training, Competition, and Recovery.  
  17. Maughan, R. J. (1991). Fluid and Electrolyte Loss and Replacement in Exercise. 
  18. Rood-Ojalvo, S., et al. (2015). The Benefits of Inositol-stabilized Arginine Silicate as a Workout Ingredient.
  19. Chen, W., Balan, P., & Popovich, D. G. (2019). Review of Ginseng Anti-Diabetic Studies

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