Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are usually on insulin, and often may follow a regular diet with a few modifications. However, those with Type 2 diabetes, for the most part, must carefully monitor their diets. Traditional dietary supplement beverages, such as protein and energy drinks, are often too high in carbohydrates and sugars for these individuals. There are carbohydrate-controlled supplement drinks specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with Type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
Glucerna
Abbott Laboratories manufactures Glucerna bottled supplement beverages and they are designed to meet the needs of individuals with Type 2 diabetes. As of 2010, these bottled drinks are available in pharmacies and many supermarkets nationwide. Glucerna drinks provide a quick source of nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels. Glucerna drinks are low in saturated fat but slightly higher in healthy monounsaturated fats as well as a rich source of dietary fiber -- which helps delay gastric emptying and may slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, according to an article published in "Diabetes Care" in January 2008.
In addition to the standard chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, Glucerna comes in Butter Pecan flavor. One 8 fluid oz. bottle provides 200 calories, 7g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, 6g sugars and 5g dietary fiber. Glucerna shakes are gluten- and lactose-free and fortified with vitamins and minerals. One serving meets about 25 percent of the recommended daily value or DV for 27 micronutrients.
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast, manufactured by Nestlé, is appropriate for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. This ready to drink milk-based supplement beverage comes in a 325 ml bottle, which is approximately 11 fluid oz. and only comes in one flavor; Rich Milk Chocolate. One serving or one bottle provides 150 calories, 5g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 13g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 12g sugars and 2g dietary fiber. The sugar in this beverage is natural milk sugar or lactose and, instead of sugar, it is sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners. Carnation Instant Breakfast is also nutrient fortified and meets, on average, 20 to 25 percent of the DV for 21 vitamins and minerals. Powdered sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast mix may be purchased and blended with milk. This option is less expensive than the bottled ready-to-drink beverage and is significantly less expensive than Glucerna, as of October 2010.
Boost Glucose Control
Boost bottled supplement drinks are also made by Nestlé and one version, Boost Glucose Control, is appropriate for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Like the Glucerna shakes, Boost Glucose Control is slightly higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in carbohydrates. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber -- which may contribute to healthy blood sugar levels. The flavors include strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. One bottle or 8 fluid oz. provides 190 calories, 7g fat, 1g saturated fat, 16g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 4g sugars and 3g dietary fiber. The Boost beverages do contain milk protein concentrate and is vitamin and mineral fortified. On average, one serving meets 40 percent of the DV for 25 vitamins and minerals. It is especially rich in the antioxidant nutrients vitamins C and E.
