Best Protein Shakes for Diabetics: How to Choose One That Fits Your Diet

Choosing the Best Protein Shakes for Diabetics

For those living with diabetes, balancing blood sugar levels through proper nutrition is crucial. Protein shakes can be a convenient way to get nutrients, but finding shakes that fit into a diabetic diet requires care. By understanding what makes a shake "diabetes-friendly," diabetics can incorporate shakes to promote health.

The Benefits of Protein for Diabetics

Getting adequate protein is vital for all people, including those with diabetes. Protein provides several important benefits:

• Helps maintain muscle mass when losing weight
• Contributes to feeling full and satisfied after drinking a shake
• Sustains steady energy levels rather than spikes and drops
• Supports wound healing for diabetics prone to skin infections

Choosing shakes with high-quality protein sources makes them a nutritious option for managing diabetes.

What to Look for in Diabetes-Friendly Shakes

When selecting a protein shake to fit into a diabetic diet, there are several important factors to consider:

• Low sugar: To prevent blood sugar spikes, shakes should contain little to no sugar.
• High protein: Choose options with 15-20g of protein per serving to promote feelings of fullness.
• High fiber: Fiber helps control blood sugar levels and digestion.
• Low fat: Limit fat to promote heart health and healthy cholesterol levels.
• Low carb: Too many carbs from sugars or refined grains can spike blood sugar.
• No artificial sweeteners: Some sweeteners can disrupt gut health and still impact blood sugar.

Ingredients to Look For

When shopping for diabetes-friendly shakes, the most nutritious options will contain wholesome ingredients like:

• Whey protein: This milk-based protein is easy to digest and absorbed quickly by the body.
• Plant proteins: Sources like pea, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein provide fiber. Those sensitive to dairy can use plant proteins.
• Unsweetened almond or coconut milk: These provide creaminess without spiking blood sugar levels.
• Cinnamon: This warming spice has been shown to support healthy blood sugar levels.
• Cocoa powder: Pure cocoa provides antioxidants and fiber to support heart health.
• Chia or flax seeds: These are high in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Their gelling action also lends thickness.
• Frozen berries: Add fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients.
• Nut butter: Look for all-natural peanut or almond butter for a flavor, texture, protein, and healthy fat boost.

Protein Sources to Avoid

On the flip side, there are certain ingredients diabetics should limit or avoid when selecting a shake:

• Fruit juices or dried fruits
• artificial sweeteners
• artificial flavors/colors
• hydrogenated oils
• Refined grains like wheat flour

Checking the ingredient list carefully helps identify shakes tailored to the unique needs of diabetics versus general market shakes.

Reviews of the Best Protein Shakes for Diabetics

Understanding what to look for helps narrow the search when seeking out the most diabetes-friendly shakes. Here are three top-rated shakes to consider:

Glucerna Hunger Smart Shake

Glucerna is a leader in snacks and shakes designed for diabetics. Their Hunger Smart Shake contains:

• 16g high-quality protein including whey and casein to provide steady energy
• 3g total sugars and 24g carbs per serving
• High fiber at 10g per serving
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• No artificial sweeteners or flavors

This creamy, satisfying shake helps control hunger and blood sugar for up to five hours.

Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

Orgain's organic nutritional shake mix offers:

• 21g pea, brown rice, and chia proteins
• Low sugar at only 1g per serving
• High fiber 7g coming from chia and flax seeds
• Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant support
• Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free

This shake provides an excellent plant-based option tailored to managing diabetes.

Iconic Protein Drink

Iconic shakes stand out with:

• 20g protein from grass-fed dairy
• 1g sugar and low net carbs at 5g
• Prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion
• MCT from coconut to help maintain ketosis
• Stevia-sweetened with no artificial sweeteners

With nutritious fats and fiber, Iconic gives steady energy without blood sugar spikes.

Tips for Choosing the Best Shake for You

While shakes like Glucerna, Orgain, and Iconic represent nutritious options, the "best" shake ultimately depends on your unique dietary needs and preferences. Here are some final tips for picking the perfect shake:

Consider Dietary Restrictions

If you adhere to a specific diet due to allergies, intolerances, or personal preference, factor this into your choice. Opt for shakes that fit with nutritional approaches like:

• Vegan or vegetarian
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• Paleo-friendly
• Keto-friendly

Identify Flavor Preferences

While nutrition obviously matters most, you'll enjoy sticking with shakes longer if you genuinely like the taste! Consider aspects like:

• Creamy milkshake texture vs. lighter fruit smoothies
• Chocolate, vanilla, or more unique flavors
• With or without coffee or tea extracts
• Sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, erythritol or unsweetened

Establish a Budget

Both ready-to-drink and powder shakes vary widely in cost depending on factors like organic certification, grass-fed ingredients, and proprietary blends. Knowing how much you can spend will help narrow options.

With a wide range of diabetes-friendly shakes now available, be sure to choose carefully based on nutrition, dietary needs, taste preferences, and budget. The right shake makes it effortless to balance blood sugar control with adequate protein intake.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.