While most people can enjoy a humble meal, it’s not the same story for diabetic people. In a world surrounded by sugar and fats, finding the right meal replacement can be a lot difficult.
Meal replacements for diabetic people are low in added sugar and high in protein. They contain low Glycemic Index carbs that don’t spike blood sugar levels.
Since there are so many of these available on the market, choosing the right one becomes hectic. This is why we set down this review of the top 5 meal replacement shakes for diabetic people, along with a buying guide.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes For Diabetics
1. Glucerna Hunger Smart Meal Replacement For Diabete Review
If you want a low-calorie diet shake for diabetes, try the Glucerna Hunger Smart meal replacement. This is a gluten-free, diabetes-friendly chocolate-flavored protein shake.
It features CARB STEADY, which is a blend of slow-release carbs that help regulate blood sugar levels. This is essentially what makes it a diabetic-friendly protein shake. The Glucerna hunger smart is a full meal replacement shake. So it contains a variety of nutrients and minerals that are crucial for your body.
What’s more, the Glucerna is safe for users who are lactose intolerant. However, the vanilla taste may not be your cup of tea. But that’s common among meal replacements.
What we like
What we don't like
2. Boost Glucose Control Nutritional Meal Replacement Drink Review
The Nestlé BOOST Glucose Control is a full-fledged meal replacement, including all the proteins, carbs, fats, and nutrients you need. It contains 16 grams of proteins and 1 carb choice (15-16 grams), along with 7 grams of fat.
It’s also high in vitamins and calcium content and engineered with slow-release carbs to keep your blood sugar levels steady. This makes it one of the most desirable meal replacement shakes for Type-2 diabetes.
Available in 3 flavors, the BOOST Nutritional Drink features a high calcium and Vitamin content to boost digestive health.
Some people may find that Boost shake doesn’t fulfill their hunger. It may also sometimes acquire a milky texture.
What we like
What we don't like
3. Slimfast Diabetic Weight Loss Meal Replacement powder
For people looking to get in shape while managing their blood sugar levels, consider the Slimfast. This is a diabetic weight loss shake rigged with prebiotics and zeroes added sugar. It’s designed for those with diabetes and lactose intolerance.
Now, what does weight loss have to do with diabetes? Adipose (fat tissue) directly impacts insulin production. A meal replacement that’s specially designed for weight loss is a great way to manage your diabetes.
This meal replacement contains prebiotics, which allows your body to absorb more magnesium and calcium. This not only results in stronger bones but also a healthier and more reliable immune system.
However, you will find a lower protein content (10 grams per serving). So it’s not the best choice for a high protein intake diet.
What we like
What we don't like
4. Atkins Gluten-Free Keto-Friendly Protein-Rich Shake Review
If you’re picky on your carb intake and don’t want any carbs in your meal, choose the Atkins Protein-Rich Shake. This is a healthy protein shake for diabetes. It only contains 7 grams of carbohydrates and hardly a single gram of sugar in each serving.
It also has a higher protein content per serving, about 30 grams. So it’s more of a protein shake than a meal replacement. Be very cautious here, as higher protein may give you an upset stomach or fatigue.
The Atkins is also gluten and sugar-free meal replacement, making it the best choice for extremely sensitive diabetics. It’s also good for losing weight since it is low on carbs and fats. However, be warned as it contains carrageenan, which can (but rarely) cause gastrointestinal issues.
What we like
What we don't like
5. Ensure Diabetic Original Nutrition Meal Replacement Shake
Lastly, we have a more bulky and wholesome liquid meal replacement for diabetics. The Ensure Original Nutrition Shake offers 250 calories and over 27 different vitamins and minerals. However, it has a very high sugar content, up to 22 grams of added sugar, and 41 grams of carbs. Due to this, it is recommended to split the dose in two, and regulate your daily intake.
The Ensure Original contains 10% of the recommended daily value of fibers. It’s also high in antioxidants, making it good for digestion. This is a completely gluten-free product but not recommended for people with galactosemia.
What we like
What we don't like
What To Look For Before Buying A Meal Replacement For Diabetics?
Glycemic Control
The Glycemic Index (GI) of carbohydrates is the relative ranking of how that substance affects blood sugar. Typically, you’ll want low glycemic meal replacement shakes, with a GI of less than 55. These carbs are slow-digesting and don’t spike up blood glucose levels. Instead, the blood sugar will rise gradually.
The number of carbohydrates intake is also a key factor here. Choose a diabetic smoothie meal replacement that features fewer carbs, typically those in the single digits. Keep the carb intake below 20 grams. If the bottle has more carbs in it per serving, then halve or quarter the serving as seems fit.
Weight Loss
Fat tissue can be a direct contributor to diabetes. Type-2 diabetes, in particular, can be caused by adipose tissues inhibiting insulin production. Consuming diabetic food substitutes designed for weight loss will help a lot in keeping your portions controlled.
You normally wouldn’t need it if you’re not overweight. But it’s still a good idea to check with the doctor. Weight loss shakes include a lot of proteins and fibers and a moderate amount of carbs.
Protein and Fiber Content
Finally, consider how much protein is in the meal replacement powder for diabetics. Higher protein will lead to more weight loss and muscle gain. The protein content of about 9 to 17 grams is suitable.
Also, consider fiber content. A good meal replacement has about 10% of the recommended daily value of fiber.
Conclusion
Meal replacement drinks for diabetics pave the way for flavored diabetic food. However, there is still a lot to keep in mind about these diabetic supplement drinks, and what they can or cannot do.
Out of the five meal replacements we looked at today, we can safely say that the Glucerna Hunger Smart is our best choice. It has a high protein content and a nominal carb content. Plus, the price is reasonable.