People with type 1 diabetes and prediabetes may also benefit from using Glucerna. The shakes are also often used as part of a structured weight-loss program for people who do not have diabetes.
About Glucerna
Glucerna offers several varieties of shakes: premixed bottled drinks (original Glucerna or Hunger Smart, which offers 15 grams of protein as opposed to 10 grams in the original line), or a ready-to-mix powder that can be added to other liquids.
The Glucerna product line also includes meal replacement snack bars which, like the shakes, are low in sugar and carbs and high in protein. Glucerna Mini Treat bars are intended to serve as a healthy dessert choice or small snack that won’t spike glucose levels.
Glucerna products are all gluten-free, kosher, halal, and suitable for people who with lactose intolerance. However, they also contain fructose (a natural fruit sugar) and artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium, which may cause potential health issues in people with diabetes.
Glucerna comes in five flavors:
Classic butter pecanRich chocolateHomemade vanillaCreamy strawberryChocolate caramel
Nutrition Facts
Glucerna’s nutrition facts are in line with recommendations from both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA). According to the ADA, 36% to 40% of your daily calories should come from fat;the AHA maintains that just 5% to 6% of those calories should be saturated fats.
While Glucerna offers several different flavors, most of the shakes and bars contain the same key ingredients and nutrients.
Pros and Cons
Glucerna shakes offer benefits for people either trying to lose weight or maintain tighter control of their blood sugar. But they also have shortcomings, particularly for those who do not have diabetes. Among the considerations:
How Glucerna May Help
If you’re trying to better manage your glucose levels and/or weight, Glucerna products can supplement a diabetes-friendly meal plan that’s lower in carbs and higher in protein. Glucerna is formulated from slow-burning carbs that are designed to be digested slowly so as not to quickly raise your blood sugar.
Try occasionally incorporating a shake as your breakfast or use it as an after-lunch snack to hold you over until dinner no more than a few times per week. Test your blood sugar levels before and after to see how Glucerna affects you personally.
With type 2 diabetes, your best bet for long-term success is to center the bulk of your diet on low-glycemic whole foods such as whole grains (oats, whole wheat bread, brown rice, etc.) and non-starchy vegetables (peppers, onions, cauliflower, leafy greens, etc.), lean protein (poultry, fish, and legumes), and healthy fats (olive oil, avocados), and use Glucerna to help fill in the gaps when necessary.
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