Nutrition Drinks for Diabetics

People with Type 2 diabetes have some growing choices when it comes to nutrition drinks and shakes that can be purchased at grocery and drug retailers or on line. Some of the products are clinically studied for their effect on diabetics and have been specifically formulated to help maintain blood glucose levels. Others simply provide diabetics with a highly nutritious, diabetic-safe drink.

Boost Glucose

Nestl's Boost Glucose contains 14 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of fiber, 12 grams of fat and 190 calories in an eight-ounce serving. Clinically proven to produce a blood glucose spike that is within the American Diabetes Association range, the drink contains no gluten or lactose and has 26 vitamins and minerals. The drinks come in strawberry, chocolate or vanilla

Medifast PLUS

Medifast, the nutrition and weight loss meal program, offers Medifast PLUS for Diabetics. The nutrition shake is used as a meal replacement or snack and can be ordered separately. It comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry and contains 25 vitamins and minerals, 1g of fat, 5g of sugar, 14g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrate. People with type 2 diabetes can drink this to lose weight or increase energy.

Glucerna

Glucerna Shakes, in conjunction with a diabetes food regime, reduce spikes in blood sugar, which lowers A1C. The shakes have 27 minerals and vitamins, 10g of protein, 6g of sugar, 27g of carbohydrate, and 7g of fat and are free from lactose and gluten. Glucerna Shakes won the 2009 Chef's Best Taste award and are made with chromium picolinate which helps natural insulin perform better. Glucerna comes in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and butter pecan. Glucerna Snack Shakes are similarity formulated.

GlucoBurst

PBM Products, a nutrition company, specially formulated a diabetic shake that helps control glucose levels through docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also contains an acid that reduces inflammation. The shake is available in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, is free of fructose, lactose, gluten, and has 0g of trans fat and 24 vitamins and minerals. It also includes chromium and fiber.

ZOIC Nutrition Drink

Although not specifically labeled for diabetics, this nutrition drink got a high rating from The Diabetic Food Critic. It is 99 percent fat-free, contains no added sugars, 2g net carbs, 110 calories, 26 minerals and vitamins, 2 to 3g fiber, 21g of protein and is free of gluten and 99.6 percent lactose-free. The drink comes in chocolate and vanilla.

Expert Insight

According to the American Diabetes Association, proper diet is one of the most important factors in diabetes management. They encourage diabetics to pay special attention to nutrition. Nutritional shakes make eating right easier.

Warning

All products are recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes only. None of the products are considered replacements for any diabetic medicine prescribed by a doctor.