Conventional sports beverages and carb powders are generally loaded with dextrose and maltodextrin, both of which are relatively low molecular weight carbohydrates with very high glycemic index scores. Consequently, consuming these carbohydrates creates a brief surge in blood glucose levels and acute insulin spikes that lead to rapid swings in energy. 
To be clear, “spiking insulin” isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but pounding sugary sports drinks is generally not ideal for athletic performance or muscle building. 
This is where Cluster Dextrin® comes in handy as a carbohydrate supplement. Not only is it a beneficial source of sustained-release carbohydrates, but it’s also gentle on the stomach and doesn’t spike insulin levels like fast-acting carb sources (e.g. dextrose, sucrose, and maltodextrin).[

carbohydrate beverages containing Cluster Dextrin® are much quicker to pass through the stomach and enter the small intestine. Sports beverages with glucose/dextrose and standard maltodextrin are the opposite. It also means that Cluster Dextrin® is easier to tolerate for athletes and won’t cause the gastrointestinal discomfort of conventional sports drinks.[3] And finally, it means that Cluster Dextrin® provides a steady increase in blood sugar levels over time, whereas pure glucose/dextrose/maltodextrin creates acute spikes.Hence, Cluster Dextrin® won’t leave you liable to swings in energy levels during a workout or athletic event, nor will it send your insulin levels through the roof like most carb supplements.