Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? Are you a long-time diabetic looking to shake up your routine? Whether you are a type 1 or type 2, old or young, many diabetics struggle with meeting their nutritional needs. Here are the top 5 best nutritional shakes for diabetics that can help with your daily consumption of calories and vitamins without spiking your blood sugar.
Glucerna Hunger Smart Meal Size Shake
Glucerna is the world’s number-one brand recommended by doctors for diabetics. This drink is designed to ensure that you consume enough carbs without making your blood sugar spike. It’s packed with 23 grams of protein and nutrients like zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. This shake comes in two flavors, chocolate and vanilla. Coming in at 250 calories for 16oz, this shake can easily replace a meal like breakfast or lunch. Nutritional shakes for diabetics don’t get much better than this.
Atkins Gluten-Free Protein-Rich Shake
Coming in at number two for the best nutritional shakes for diabetics is Atkins Gluten-Free Protein-Rich Shake. This shake has a shocking 1 gram of sugar and 15 grams of protein per bottle, making it an excellent option for those following the keto diet. It contains potassium, biotin, zinc, and selenium, which is good for your hair, skin, and nails, but also has the added benefit of protecting your cells from oxidative stress. This drink has the widest variety of flavors:
- Strawberry
- Milk Chocolate
- Creamy Vanilla
- Dark Chocolate Royale
- Chocolate Banana
- Creamy Caramel
- Iced Chai
- Cafe Caramel Iced Coffee
- Cafe Au Lait Iced Coffee
- Vanilla Latte Iced Coffee
- Mocha Latte Iced Coffee
Splenda Diabetes Care Shake
Compared to the other nutritional shakes for diabetics on this list, Splenda Diabetes Care Shake is the only one with 0 grams of added sugar. Making it an excellent option for those diabetics who have trouble watching their sugar intake. This shake does a great job of balancing protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It uses Splenda sucralose, a sweetener that doctors have recommended as a sugar replacement for diabetics.
Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix
Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix is one of the few gluten-free options when it comes to nutritional shakes for diabetics. Coming in at 90 calories a serving, this shake might not be the best option for a meal replacement, but it is a good source of protein and vitamins. It contains vitamins like A, B6, B12, C, D, and E. It comes in a few tasty flavors like chocolate, French vanilla, natural vanilla, mixed berries, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate. Even though this shake has a high amount of protein, it also has a high number of carbs. Be sure to check with your doctor before purchasing to ensure that this shake meets your individual needs. Being that the Herbalife Formula is a shake mix and not a premade shake, it does take away some of the convenience that the other nutritional shakes for diabetics have on this list. However, if that doesn’t bother you, then this is another great option.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake
The fifth option on our list is the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake. The power behind this shake comes from grass-fed whey protein and organic butter, which is excellent fuel for your body and brain. Packed with 1.5 billion probiotics, this shake also supports a healthy digestive system. Because this shake has a whopping 280 calories per serving it is easy to use this as a true meal replacement. It can also be used in baking! The downside to this shake is that it only comes in two flavors, chocolate and vanilla, and it is also the most expensive option on our list of best nutritional shakes for diabetics.
All the nutritional shakes for diabetics on this list are great options for anyone looking to increase their caloric intake or replace a meal. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the best shake for you and your needs; simpler ingredients are better, keep a look out for carbs, nutrient’s daily value matters, and consult with your doctor before looking to use one of these shakes in your daily routine.
This article intends to educate and inform. It is not meant to take the place of expert advice from a physician. Always consult with your doctor before changing your diet, especially if you are diabetic.
Jenna Picascio is a Long Island native who graduated with a degree in English literature from St. Joseph’s University. She is also a writer for AMAC’s Blog.
