Diabetes is a medical condition that alters how the body metabolizes blood glucose, or blood sugar. Under normal conditions, glucose supplies energy to the cells in the body, and insulin from the pancreas assists in this process. Since diabetes alters the function of the pancreas and produces less release of insulin, too much glucose stays in the bloodstream and fails to reach the cells in the body. Glucerna dietary supplements assist with keeping blood sugar within a normal range.
Function
Glucerna supplements deliver a distinctive blend of slowly absorbed carbohydrates, shown to moderate blood sugar spikes. "Slowly absorbed" means that sugar fails to be broken down immediately and fails to move into the bloodstream immediately. The slow absorption prevents high fluctuation of blood sugar. If blood glucose levels undergo regulation, the body accumulates less fat. Each Glucerna product provides a set amount of carbohydrates in each serving. Five main components constitute the elements contained in Glucerna.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium picolinate functions in the body as a trace element essential in the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Chromium picolinate assists insulin to move glucose into the cell and supplies glucose as an energy source for the liver, muscle and adipose tissue. The movement of the glucose into the cell returns glucose in the bloodstream to normal levels. The other main benefit of chromium picolinate is to reduce elevated levels of lipids to lower cholesterol levels.
Sucromalt
Sucromalt sweetens Glucerna products and contains carbohydrate in an amount equal to high-fructose corn syrup, but it produces lower glucose and insulin effects. The National Institute of Health describes sucromalt as an enzymatically modified carbohydrate. This refers to a carbohydrate that is broken down into smaller components by enzymes or catalysts to allow for easier absorption into the body.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols belongs to a group of plant sterols that are phytochemicals occurring naturally in plants. "Mayo Clinical Proceedings" indicate that plant sterols lower serum cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol levels decreases the risk for coronary heart disease in diabetic patients.
Vitamins C and E
The vitamins C and E supply antioxidants that improve overall health by demolishing free radicals that produce disease in the body. According to the textbook "Circulation," observational studies suggest that high intakes of antioxidant vitamins in supplements show an association with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide the body's primary energy source. The low-glycemic carbohydrates in Glucerna minimize blood sugar spikes and lower the long-term measurement of blood glucose measured with the blood test A1C. Glucerna products have fewer calories than other protein drinks, so Glucerna provides a lower caloric intake and assists with weight loss to control diabetes. Glucerna products facilitate the dietary recommendations outlined in "Circulation" in 2006.
Glucerna Products
Consumers can choose from multiple nutritional forms of Glucerna. It comes as a cereal, a liquid shake or a snack bar. The liquid shake comes in flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and butter pecan.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Products for Treating Low Blood Glucose
- "Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics"; Clinical Studies on Chromium Picolinate Supplementation; C. L. Broadhurst & P. Domenico; 2006
- "Circulation"; Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Revision 2006; A. H. Lichtenstein, et al.; 2006
- "Mayo Clinical Proceedings"; Efficacy and Safety of Plant Stanols and Sterols; Katan, M. B., et al.; 2003
- National Institute of Health: Clinical Trials
