Glucerna products, manufactured by Abbott Nutrition, are dietary supplements formulated for individuals with diabetes. These products include cereals, meal and snack shakes, and bars. While designed for those with diabetes, Glucerna may offer benefits for individuals without diabetes as well. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Glucerna products or any dietary supplements into your diet to ensure nutritional adequacy.
Understanding Glucerna
Glucerna is a brand of meal replacement shakes and bars designed specifically for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and type 1 diabetes. These products are characterized by their low calorie and sugar content, as well as a high protein content. Glucerna products also contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Nutritional Profile of Glucerna
Different flavors of Glucerna, such as vanilla and chocolate, may contain different ingredients, but all varieties offer the same key nutrients. According to Abbott, the manufacturer of Glucerna, an 8-ounce bottle of Homemade Vanilla Liquid contains 180 calories, with approximately 80 calories derived from fat. The product contains no trans fat but provides a total of 9 grams of fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat. It is low in cholesterol, with less than 5 milligrams (mg) per bottle.
All flavor varieties of Glucerna Original Shake contain 10 grams of protein, which aids in satiety. An 8-ounce bottle provides 4 grams of fiber and 16 grams of carbs, including 4 grams of added sugar. The shakes contain 210 grams of sodium per serving and between 380 and 470 mg of potassium, or between 8 and 10 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for adults, depending on the flavor variety.
Glucerna Original Shake (Homemade Vanilla Liquid), 8 ounces, provides 20 percent or more of the DV of the following:
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- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin A
- Magnesium
- Folate
Potential Benefits of Glucerna
Low-Calorie Content for Weight Management
Glucerna meal replacement bars, snacks, and shakes can aid in weight loss by reducing calorie intake for individuals within a healthy weight range or those with overweight or obesity. A healthier approach to weight loss involves consuming fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans.
Fortification with Essential Nutrients
Glucerna products are enriched with vitamins and minerals, helping individuals meet their nutritional needs, even without diabetes. The shakes, bars, and cereals are good sources of essential vitamins and minerals. A traditional Glucerna shake contains 190 calories, 10 g of protein, and 3 g of fiber. It provides 25 percent or more of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron, calcium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, B-12, and D. The carbohydrate content of 23 g is derived from sugar alcohol, not sugar. A Glucerna shake contains approximately 380 mg of potassium, which is about 11 percent of the RDA.
High Protein Content
Most adults require between 46 and 56 g of protein daily, according to the USDA Dietary Reference Intakes. Glucerna's high-protein content may be beneficial for individuals who do not consume enough protein in their diet. The Hunger Smart shakes contain 15 g of protein per serving. Natural protein sources like fish, poultry, tofu, lean red meat, beans, and legumes are also excellent options.
Low Glycemic Index
Glucerna stands out due to its lower glycemic index compared to many other meal replacement bars, which often contain high amounts of sugar. This means that the carbohydrates in Glucerna are less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. Glucerna shakes are formulated to help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes. A high-glycemic diet can elevate the risk of diabetes.
Fiber Content
Glucerna products, particularly the cereal, provide whole grains and dietary fiber. The average American consumes only about 15 g of fiber daily, while the recommended daily intake is 31.5 g.
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Blood Sugar Management
Glucerna is designed to provide the body with carbohydrates that are slower digesting, similar to low-GI foods. While Glucerna may complement a blood sugar-friendly diet when used occasionally, it is important to balance your diet with a variety of low-GI foods, such as steel-cut oats, whole wheat, beans and legumes, whole fruit, and nonstarchy vegetables.
Satiety
Protein does not increase blood sugar and can help you feel full longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating carbohydrates. Glucerna contains 10 g of protein per serving, which may help with satiety.
Convenience
Glucerna shakes and bars are convenient and portable, making them a practical option for individuals who need a quick and easy meal replacement or snack.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Artificial Sweeteners
Glucerna shakes include artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols to lower their carb content while maintaining sweetness. Some studies suggest that these sweeteners may increase sugar cravings and lead to overeating, while others suggest that certain artificial sweeteners may alter insulin sensitivity.
Processed Foods
Glucerna products are processed foods, and increasingly, ultra-processed foods are associated with negative health outcomes, including overweight, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Whole, unprocessed foods are generally a better choice than highly processed options.
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Over-Reliance
The greatest risk lies in possible overreliance on the products for diabetes management. Managing sleep hygiene and stress levels, and exercising regularly are also important for maintaining good blood glucose levels. Whole foods provide the best nutritional value, no matter what a supplement label might claim.
Weight Loss
Eating too many Glucerna products may actually hinder your weight loss efforts if you add them to your existing diet instead of using them as meal replacements. Low calorie, high protein meal replacements may gradually help you lose weight when you combine them with an exercise plan and nutrient-rich diet.
Fructose Content
Fructose, a form of natural sugar most often found in fruit, is processed through the liver rather than directly absorbed into the bloodstream like other carb sources. Some research suggests that fructose, particularly in large quantities, might have negative health consequences.
Lack of Variety
In cases of over-reliance, you might be missing out on critical nutrients if you’re using supplements as your main form of nutrition. Diabetes supplements should fill the gaps in your nutrition rather than be responsible for providing most of your nutritional needs, particularly if you lack variety from all food groups, such as whole grains, lean protein, nuts, fish, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
Vitamin E Contraindications
If you are also taking a blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin, you will want to check with your doctor before adding multiple sources of vitamin E to your day.
Niacinamide Side Effects
There is some research that points to niacinamide, one ingredient in Glucerna, being associated with elevated blood sugar levels. However, this isn’t a conclusive observation, and researchers agree we need more data to confirm whether or not this is true.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
If you’re already sensitive to artificial sweeteners, have a history of irritable bowel syndrome, or other GI concerns, check with your trusted healthcare provider or dietitian before adding this into your routine. Side effects may include but are not limited to:
- Sickness
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
Glucerna vs. Ensure
Glucerna is a meal replacement or supplement made specifically for individuals with diabetes, while Ensure is a meal replacement or supplement that provides calories, vitamins, and minerals but is not made specifically for people with diabetes in mind. Ensure has more calories but less fat and slightly less protein than Glucerna. Notably, Ensure is significantly lower in fiber and has about double the amount of carbohydrates and sugar compared with Glucerna.
| Nutrient | Glucerna | Ensure |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Lower | Higher |
| Fat | Higher | Lower |
| Protein | Slightly Higher | Slightly Lower |
| Fiber | Higher | Significantly Lower |
| Carbohydrates | Lower | Higher |
| Sugar | Lower | Higher |
Glucerna contains a higher amount of vitamins D and C, and Ensure offers slightly more vitamin E. For people with diabetes, Glucerna may be a better meal replacement or supplement than Ensure. However, Ensure does make a product called Ensure Diabetes Care that is specially formulated to help manage blood sugar and support weight management in people with diabetes.
How to Incorporate Glucerna into Your Diet
Successfully managing type 2 diabetes requires changes to your diet and lifestyle. Glucerna meal replacement shakes and snack bars may help if you have trouble managing your diet on your own. It is important to remember that Glucerna is not a substitute for a nutrient-dense diet. Simply consuming Glucerna products while continuing to eat low-nutrient meals will not lead to successful diabetes management.
- Meal Replacement: Use Glucerna shakes or bars as a replacement for one or two meals per day to help reduce calorie intake and manage blood sugar levels.
- Snack Alternative: Choose Glucerna products as a healthier snack option compared to high-sugar or high-carbohydrate snacks.
- Pre- or Post-Workout: Consume a Glucerna shake or bar before or after exercise to provide sustained energy and support muscle recovery.
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Discuss your specific needs and goals with a doctor or registered dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of Glucerna to include in your diet.