If you are diabetic, then you know that it is important to watch what you eat. One of the best ways to make sure you are getting the right nutrients is to drink a protein shake.
Protein shakes are a great way to get your daily dose of protein, and they can also help keep you feeling full throughout the day. In this blog post, we will discuss the three best protein shakes for diabetics.
We will also include our handy Buyer's Guide with all of the most frequently asked questions about Protein Shakes for Diabetics (and our brilliant answers to them). Then we will reveal our top choice for the best of the best in protein shakes. Let's get started!
How we choose our WOW products
A lot of people with diabetes are looking for the best protein shake to help them manage their blood sugar levels.
It can be hard to know which protein shake is right for you, especially if you're new to the world of diabetes.
We have read thousands of reviews on Amazon to find the best protein shake for diabetics. Here are our top three choices.
BOOST Glucose Control Protein Shake
Best Tasting
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to help control your blood sugar levels? Look no further than BOOST Glucose Control Protein Shake.
This shake is clinically shown to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and is packed with 16g of protein and 25 vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it comes in a rich chocolate flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied after every sip.
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Their nutritionally-balanced formula is specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of a balanced diet.
And, with three delicious flavors to choose from – chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry – you’ll never get bored!
GLUCERNA Powerful Nutrition Vegan Protein Drink
Best for Vegans
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to help support your immune system and manage your blood sugar? Then check out Glucerna's new line of vegan protein shakes!
Made with a unique blend of slow-release carbohydrates, these shakes are designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes, making them a great meal or snack replacement for those with diabetes.
And they're not just good for your health, they're also absolutely delicious, available in rich chocolate and homemade vanilla flavors.
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Made with real milk and no artificial flavors, Glucerna is a great source of protein and calcium. It's also a good source of fiber and only has 1g of sugar per serving.
So whether you're looking to build muscle or just need a little pick-me-up, Glucerna has you covered.
Best of all, it comes in five amazing flavors: rich chocolate, homemade vanilla, creamy strawberry, classic butter pecan, and chocolate caramel.
ATKINS Gluten Free Protein-Rich Shake
Best Overall Quality
Why We Are “Wow-ed” By It
Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to power through your day? Look no further than the ATKINS Gluten Free Protein-Rich Shake.
Made with rich chocolate and real coffee, this shake will give you the energy you need to tackle anything that comes your way. Each serving provides 15 grams of high-quality protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it an ideal choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
And with only 4 grams of net carbs and 1 gram of sugar, you can enjoy this shake guilt-free.
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Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, 15 grams of protein, and only 1 gram of sugar, their shakes will help you stay satisfied and energized all day long.
And since they're Gluten Free and low in carbs, they fit perfectly into a low-carb or Keto friendly lifestyle.
Our “WOW Factor” Buyer’s Guide
A lot of people with diabetes are looking for the best protein shake to help them manage their condition, but there is a lot of conflicting information out there.
It can be hard to know which protein shake is right for you when there are so many options available. Do you need one that is low in sugar? Or one that is high in protein?
We have the answers to all your questions about the best protein shakes for diabetics. These shakes are designed to help you manage your blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller longer. But you still have questions. No problem. We have answers.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best protein shakes for diabetics and our answers to them.
Can a diabetic drink protein shakes?
Yes. Protein shakes are a great way for diabetics to get the nutrients they need. They are low in sugar and carbs, and they provide a good amount of protein, which is important for diabetes management.
Be sure to check the label of any protein shake you buy to make sure it is low in sugar and carbs. And always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
What type of protein drink can a diabetic drink?
There are many types of protein drinks that a diabetic can drink. A whey protein isolate would be a good choice because it has a low glycemic index and is also easily absorbed by the body.
You could also try drinking a plant-based protein shake, like one made with hemp or pea protein. Just be sure to avoid any drinks that are high in sugar or carbs, as these will spike blood sugar levels and make diabetes management more difficult.
Are whey protein shakes good for diabetics?
While there is no definitive answer, many experts believe that whey protein shakes can be beneficial for diabetics. Whey protein is a type of protein that is derived from milk and is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is also an excellent source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential for muscle growth and repair.
Some studies have shown that whey protein can help improve glycemic control in people with diabetes. In one study, participants who consumed whey protein had a decrease in post-meal blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity.
Additionally, whey protein has been shown to promote satiety and reduce food intake, both of which are important for weight management.
Can I take metformin with a protein shake?
Yes, you can take metformin with a protein shake. However, it is important to speak with your physician or pharmacist before doing so, as there may be certain interactions to be aware of.
Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, and protein shakes are often used as a nutritional supplement by people looking to build muscle or lose weight. When taken together, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and speak with your healthcare team if you have any concerns.
What protein does not spike insulin?
There are a few different types of protein that don't tend to spike insulin levels, including most plant-based proteins. Some of the best sources of these include beans, legumes, and peas.
Additionally, many soy-based products (tempeh, tofu, etc.) are also good choices. However, it's important to note that some people may still have a strong insulin response to soy-based proteins, so it's always best to test your blood sugar levels after consuming them.
Another option is whey protein isolate, which is a type of protein that is very low in carbs and lactose (milk sugar). This makes it easier for the body to absorb and use, meaning that there is less of a chance that it will be stored as fat.
Does a protein shake raise blood sugar?
Protein shakes can certainly raise blood sugar levels, especially if they contain high amounts of carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrates are broken down into sugar (glucose) in the body, and glucose raises blood sugar levels.
However, not all protein shakes are high in carbohydrates - some contain very little or no carbohydrates at all. So it really depends on the specific protein shake that you're talking about.
How much protein should a type 2 diabetic have per day?
According to the American Diabetes Association, the recommended amount of protein for people with type 2 diabetes is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. This means that a person who weighs 150 pounds should consume 54 grams of protein per day.
However, it's important to talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much protein is right for you, as too much protein can actually worsen diabetes and cause other health problems.
Can a diabetic eat too much protein?
Yes, too much protein can cause problems for diabetics. In fact, eating too much protein can actually make diabetes worse.
Here's why: When the body breaks down protein, it produces ammonia. The liver then converts the ammonia into urea, which is expelled in urine. But when there's too much ammonia in the blood (due to eating a lot of protein), the kidneys have to work extra hard to flush it out, and that can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
So for people with diabetes, it's important to stick to recommended levels of protein intake.
What drink lowers blood sugar?
There are a few different drinks that can help lower blood sugar. Some people find that drinking water or unsweetened tea can help regulate blood sugar levels, while others find that drinking coffee or black tea can have the same effect.
It's also important to make sure you're getting enough fiber in your diet, as fiber helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to get fiber into your diet (although be careful of the sugar content of fruit and the carb content of vegetables).
What foods should you avoid when taking metformin?
There are a few different types of foods that you should avoid when taking metformin.
First, you should avoid unhealthy processed foods. This includes potato chips, french fries, and fast food in general.
Second, you should avoid high-sugar foods. This includes sugary drinks, sweets, and baked goods.
Lastly, you should avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of side effects from metformin. So, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
If you have any questions about what foods to avoid while taking metformin, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Our Best Advice
Looking for the best protein shake for diabetics? We’ve spent dozens of hours reading thousands of reviews on Amazon from verified customers to find the perfect protein shake for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, I have to say that I, myself, am a type 2 diabetic and I am on the ketogenic diet. Dr. Atkins, who has now passed away, is one of my all-time favorite authors for being the pioneer of the ketogenic diet in North America. I have his book here on my desk - Dr. Atkin's New Diet Revolution and I have read it (and keep on reading it) over and over again. It's worth its weight in gold! So, yes, I have a bias towards Atkins products as well, as you can imagine. They are all high-quality products designed especially with the diabetic in mind.
There are two fundamental truths that I learned from Dr. Atkins that have shaken me to the core. The first is the genesis and development of the modern diet and its impact on our health. The second is that it was all unnecessary! Dr. Atkins has proven that everything from pizza dough to candy bars and potato chips can be made with low carbs and low sugars. It simply isn't necessary to manufacture everything with poor quality ingredients and without a care about how it impacts the health of millions of people. Perhaps they didn't know before but they do now. It's time for the government to force manufacturers into creating healthier versions of our favorite foods. Not only can it be done, but it must be done for all of our sakes.
In the same way that the government has turned against tobacco companies in the face of the overwhelming evidence that smoking is dangerous to your health (and the health costs associated with that truth), in the same way, I believe, that the government will turn against junk food manufacturers in the face of our diabetes epidemic (and the health costs associated with that truth). But that is my opinion and I hope it happens soon. There is somewhat of a revolution already happening in the USA and Canada (and to a lesser extent in Europe and Australia) but most of the world still suffers from the negative effects of a high sugar, high carb diet.
So what does that all have to do with our topic of today? Finding a diabetic-friendly protein shake is not that difficult but you do have to pay attention to the details. Since society (even in the USA) is still in transition and struggling to understand the relationship between a low-carb diet and a low-calorie diet for the purpose of weight loss and managing blood sugar levels, there are still conflicting pieces of information in the marketplace.
A case in point is the three choices we presented today. First of all, we have BOOST Glucose Control Protein Shake. Then we have GLUCERNA Powerful Nutrition Vegan Protein Drink and finally, we have the Atkins product called ATKINS Gluten Free Protein-Rich Shake.
The BOOST product specifically claims to be about glucose control so that's a good start. It has 16g of protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. But, if you noticed, it didn't mention anywhere how many actual net carbs it has (or even how many grams of sugar). This information is vital for diabetics. I'm not saying that it has too many. I'm saying that I don't know. Diabetics (type 2) who are on a ketogenic diet are counting carbs and therefore this is basic information to include in your packaging you would think.
Let's take a look at the GLUCERNA product which is specifically for Vegans. Granted a vegan isn't necessarily a diabetic but a plant-based protein shake is usually (although not always) better for diabetics than some others (with the exception of whey protein which is quite acceptable). But the GLUCERNA product also claims to be good for diabetics. Let's see, shall we? Apparently, it is made with a unique blend of slow-release carbohydrates designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes. I find that absolutely amazing.
When I had my first consult group session about diabetes soon after I was first diagnosed, the conversation was all about why a SNICKERS bar was better for a diabetic than other types of candy bars. The argument was that it was a slow-release carbohydrate candy bar and therefore would not spike my sugar levels. Which is true but not the point! I should not be eating the SNICKERS bar at all (or any other type of candy bar). That's what created the problem in the first place.
It isn't just about sugar spikes and "managing" your blood sugar levels, but about using a low-carb diet as a lifestyle eating program to permanently keep blood sugar levels within the proper range and actually, in a sense, reverse diabetes (although not necessarily the effects of diabetes depending on how long it takes to get your diet under control). After all, the SNICKERS bar still had more than 300g of carbs when my daily limit for all of my food intake was more like 30g.
This GLUCERNA product falls into the same mistake. Using slow-release carbohydrates is not the point. It is the quantity of those slow-release carbohydrates that matters most. In other words, it's not about maintenance (management) of blood glucose levels but about a weight loss lifetime diet (the key to lowering blood glucose levels). Protein drinks can help in this process if they are the right kind (not just by providing more protein but the best protein for a diabetic).
Finally, we come to the ATKINS product which, obviously, has the best overall quality in a protein shake. Here it is very clear how many net carbs and how many grams of sugar the product has. Of course. It comes from the Atkins Institute. So that makes sense.
The only issue I have is with the caffeine content. We know that caffeine releases an insulin response and we don't want that at all. But even an insulin response can't do much damage if there isn't much sugar in the blood to grab on to and store as fat. So, in the context of a ketogenic diet (which they assume that you are on), the extra caffeine isn't a big problem. And from a marketing point of view, this Atkins Protein Shake is often used as a breakfast meal replacement, and, by having the taste of coffee and a little bit of caffeine in the shake, it can replace your morning coffee as well. Which is important.
In other words, you have to pay attention to the ingredients and read the label if you want to maintain your keto diet. There are still other things to consider when talking about protein powders. Some people claim that a plant-based protein powder is better than, say a whey protein powder for diabetics but that is mostly a question of taste and preference.
The best protein powders for diabetics isn't so much about whether it is a rice protein powder (although rice is a carb) or a whey protein powder (which is low carb). The best protein powders for people with diabetes aren't even about managing blood glucose levels (at least not directly) but rather about counting carbs. Taking a sugar-free protein powder is a good start but it isn't sufficient. It also needs to contain a low net carb count in order to qualify as one of the meal replacement shakes that diabetics can take.
The need to control blood sugar levels goes without saying but it is more than that. After all, people with diabetes will be using this protein powder daily for months and years to come. Leaving the need to control your blood sugar level aside, you also need to control your weight. The strange thing is that if you control your weight with a ketogenic diet, your blood sugar levels will permanently come into balance as well. But if you only focus on the blood glucose levels on a product-by-product or meal-by-meal basis, you may not lose any weight (and losing weight for a diabetic is KEY to blood glucose management).
The ketogenic diet is not just about reducing carbs but about increasing healthy fats. That is the secret to a ketogenic diet. It certainly would be considered a high protein diet as well but it is even higher in healthy fats (which seems counter-intuitive). Here we are talking about protein supplements that don't stimulate insulin secretion but it is always in the context of a low carb, high fat ketogenic diet.
Controlling blood sugar levels will happen as a result of weight loss and people with diabetes have to learn to understand the difference between no added sugar and zero sugar. No added sugar doesn't mean that the product is sugar-free and a sugar-free protein powder doesn't mean that it is low carb.
The ketogenic diet with its low carb, high fat, and medium protein macros (5:75:20) can lower blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis. You learn how to eat a healthy meal to avoid weight gain and a delicious protein supplement is always welcome. Soy protein may not be a good choice for diabetics even though it is a plant-based source of protein.
What makes protein powder good for diabetics is not that it is plant protein necessarily but that it is a sugar-free and carb-free product with a high protein content to function as a meal replacement protein shake.
The health benefits, as well as the convenience, of getting enough protein through a good whey protein powder are well known by diabetics. Therefore it isn't just about whey protein powders (that's pretty well a given) but also about essential amino acids, chia seeds, flax seeds, and healthy fiber.
No powdered sugar (or any kind of added sugars in whatever form), artificial sweeteners and lactose-free are also important not just because some people are lactose intolerant but because milk (rather than cream) has too many carbs.
Having a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich is often claimed to be good for diabetics since it encourages slow digestion (and is one of my favorite sweet treats) but the bread has carbs, the jam has sugars and the peanuts are not tree nuts but rather ground nuts and store sugars and carbs. All bad for a diabetic.
Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is good for a diabetic. It isn't about zero fat but about healthy fat. It isn't about muscle mass and the desire to gain weight but the need to lose weight without losing lean muscle. It's not about artificial sweeteners and added sugar but about unsweetened cocoa powder and almond milk. It's not just about protein drinks and essential amino acids but about the best protein powders for diabetics (which can certainly be a good whey protein powder.
I use whey protein powder myself every day and have for a number of years. It has helped me to lose weight, and manage my blood sugar levels, and tastes delicious. Enough said.
With all of that being said, it is now time to reveal our top choice for the best of the best in protein powders for diabetics. Drum roll, please...
Our #1 WOW Choice (and why)
The Best Diabetic Friendly Protein Shake for YOU
Our No. #1 WOW Choice for the best diabetic-friendly protein shake is ATKINS Gluten Free Protein-Rich Shake for best overall quality. Not only is it delicious and made with rich chocolate and real coffee, but each serving comes with 15g of high-quality protein and 5g of fiber. With only 4g of net carbs and 1 gram of sugar, it is ideal for those on a low-carb diet (like diabetics).
In addition, the Atkin Protein Shakes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to keep you satisfied and energized all day long. Gluten-free and low in carbs makes it perfect for the ketogenic diet that Dr. Atkins has pioneered for so many years. We are certainly impressed. We hope you are too!
Remember to check prices and availability on Amazon by clicking the red button below the images. As always, the trick is to get started today!
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