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Are Protein Shakes Good For Diabetics


Bottom Line: Whey Protein Can Indeed Be Consumed By People With Diabetes

Are Protein Shakes Good for Diabetics? Can a Diabetic Drink Protein Shakes? Shake for Diabetes Facts

Well, there is evidence that Whey helps in the prevention of diabetes and also numerous studies have pointed out the benefits for people who already have this condition.

Therefore, we can safely say that whey supplementation is easy to consume and can be taken by just about anyone.

We hope that todays article has shed light on many of your doubts.

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Are Protein Powders Good For Diabetics

One common issue with diabetics is that the body is unable to manage blood sugar levels. One of the ways in which they normally curb this problem is by making good dietary choices. Different foods have different effects on diabetics. Carbohydrates cause a quick spike in blood sugar level, whereas proteins cause a gradual and slow rise in the blood sugar level. This is because carbohydrates digest faster while proteins take a longer time to digest.

While considering if protein powder is good for diabetics, it is important to remember that everyone needs an adequate amount of survival for healthy living. This is because proteins have the following functions

  • Proteins help the cells to function properly.
  • Proteins help to rebuild, repair and maintain muscles.
  • Proteins serve than a building block for skin, nails, bones, and blood.
  • Protein also contributes to the formation of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.

Having looked at these benefits, we can conclude that everyone needs proteins, including people with diabetes.


Whey Protein For Diabetes

In a very small September 2017 study in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, having whey protein before a meal was linked with lower blood sugar spikes by increasing insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the study also found that, in people who had overweight or high blood fats, blood sugar actually spiked after having whey protein.

While previous research suggests that whey protein increases insulin secretion, there has not been enough evidence to show that taking whey protein in powders or shakes causes glucose levels to improve in people with type 2 diabetes. In the small BMJ study, researchers concluded that whey protein could be an option for providers to discuss with their patients with diabetes who do not have obesity or have high triglycerides, but more research is needed.

“I often caution against processed foods, including protein shakes, when counseling people living with diabetes,” says Joy Ashby Cornthwaite, RD, LD, certified diabetes educator at UT Physicians, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. “Supplements remain a largely under-regulated industry. If people choose to use them, I encourage frequent glucose monitoring around or near use of shakes and supplements.”

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Diabetes And Losing Weight

If you are looking for diabetic smoothies to lose weight or nutritional drinks that can help you with this goal, you will definitely find one on this list. However, I must reinforce that the most important thing when looking to loss weight is calorie deficit. This is, you need to consume less calories than what your body needs. That way, you will burn fat stored on your body.


So what would be good diabetic weight loss shakes? In my opinion, they should be balanced, satiating, with plenty of fiber and protein. Something like Huel or Complete 360.

However, as mentioned above, ketogenic and low-carb diets have been proven to be efficient on helping lose weight to diabetics. Therefore, the best ketogenic shakes, like Ample K, can be a good tool. Nonetheless, there is a concern on the long-term efficiency due to how hard is to stick to these diets.

Lower Blood Sugar Higher Insulin

8 Protein Shakes and Smoothies for Diabetics

Researchers took blood samples before and after the meals and found that insulin production was higher after the whey-supplemented meals.

For example, insulin production was 31% higher after the high-GI breakfast and 57% higher after the high-GI lunch when whey was included compared with when it was not.

The study also showed that rises in blood sugar levels after lunch were reduced by 21% with whey supplementation.


Researchers say the findings suggest that whey proteins may attenuate blood sugar surges throughout the day.

Additional studies are also looking into the possibility of stimulating insulin production by specifically tailoring these proteins, which may lead to more effective diabetes treatments with fewer side effects.

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Are Collagen Protein Drinks Safe For Diabetics

Living with diabetes requires a new set of knowledge and discipline surrounding your diet and nutrition. Things that were healthy for you before may not interact the same way with your body anymore.

As a diabetic, it can be difficult to find safe and filling snacks. One thing many people turn to is protein shakes. But, what are the best protein drinks for diabetics? And, are protein drinks even safe for you?


In this article, we will be answering the five most commonly asked questions about protein drinks and diabetes, to help you find safe protein drinks for diabetics. We will do our best to provide up-to-date, research-based information on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help you understand your options.

Dr Bergs Meal Replacement Shake With Mcts & Bcaas

Here is a shake in a 1,55-pound box and chocolate brownie flavour without any percentage of added sugar. The creator of this shake is Dr Berg, and the product is taking his name. He created the whole line of product to help people lose weight while taking in all ingredients that the body needs to function properly.

This is a shake that fits best with keto nutrition. It is a replacement for keto meal. The box includes scoop which is equal to the 26g of powder. Each serving provides you 105 calories, 11g of pure protein, 6,1g of dietary fibre and a certain number of phosphorus, chloride, sodium, potassium, fats, and carbs. There is 2,6g of sugar in the powder, which is not a big number, but yet it doesnt make it the best protein powder for diabetics. Although there is a bit of sugar in the powder, diabetics can use it, but should properly dose it or consult with a nutritionist.

This shake has a great taste, and everyone likes it. The best part is that it helps you to build muscles, and increases the level of energy. The powder contains BCAAs so your body will recover fast after training, and have all amino acids that need.

There is 4g of MCTs that comes from coconut oil and turn into ketones which help you burn fats faster.


When it comes to the price, the product is quite expensive. Consumers are happy with the supplement, but it will work only if you use it with the keto diet. Otherwise, you are not going to achieve the goal you want.

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Facilitating Safe And Gradual Weight Loss

Since meal replacement shakes usually come with high protein and fiber content, they will help you to stay full for a longer time than typical meals.

This helps you to cut calories during the day and lose weight without causing your blood sugar levels to spike or drop. Safe weight loss can be extremely beneficial to diabetics, which will help improve their condition.

Precautions To Be Taken Before Having Protein Powder

Protein Shakes for Diabetics – Make Best Protein Smoothies for Workouts

There are a lot of risks involved while having a nutrition powder for diabetics. Therefore, one should take the following precautions before having a protein powder:


  • Protein powder is a dietary supplement, but despite its being a reputed brand and claim of safety with proper labeling of ingredients, there is no way to find out what the powder contains. So, be very careful before choosing the best protein powders for diabetics.
  • Also, there is no research regarding the long term effects or possible side effects of continuous intake of these protein supplements.
  • Some protein powders may cause a digestive disruption as they can get into trouble with digesting lactose for those who suffer from dairy allergies. These people end up experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Many of these protein powder has a little added sugar and calories. Some protein powders contain around 23 grams of sugar, or if combined with a glass of milk, they can have more than 1200 calories. Thereby it results in weight gain and an unhealthy increase in the level of blood sugar.

Another interesting observation is that people often wonder about the best time for a protein powder intake. However, it depends on the personal health and fitness goals of an individual, and it also depends on whether the person wants to build muscle, restore muscle, preserve muscle, or lose weight.

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Whey Protein Could Help Control Type 2 Diabetes

Eating whey protein before breakfast could help prevent or control type 2 diabetes, two separate studies by Newcastle University have shown.

The findings, which were unveiled at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference, found obese men and males with type 2 diabetes had better blood sugar levels after eating the protein first thing. One of the studies also showed it helped stifle appetite.

The first study looked at how 20 grams of the whey protein affected 12 obese men, before they took part in 30 minutes of light walking and then ate a carbohydrate heavy breakfast. The researchers said the combination of the protein and exercise helped control blood sugars.


A total of 11 men with type 2 diabetes participated in the second study. They were given 15 grams of whey protein before breakfast and again, their blood sugars remained stable.

Lead researcher Dr Daniel West from Newcastle University said: We know that high blood glucose levels after eating can contribute to poor blood glucose management and can also be detrimental to cardiovascular health.

Weve shown that consuming small amount of whey protein before a meal could help people avoid those high blood glucose levels and may help them to feel more satisfied after mealtimes.

However, larger scale studies involving a lot more people are needed to test this idea further, so we can understand if anyone with type 2 diabetes would benefit from including whey protein in their diet and how best to do that.

What Are Protein Powders

Protein powders are sources of proteins that are concentrated. They are usually from animal sources or plant foods, like dairy, eggs, rice or peas.


Protein powders have 3 common forms, which includes

  • Protein concentrates
  • Protein hydrolysates

1. Protein concentrates

These are gotten from whole foods. The method involved is that using heat and acid or enzymes, the protein is extracted. The extracts from these supplies up to 60-80 protein, with the remaining 20- 40 being composed of fat.

2. Protein isolates

When there is an additional filtration process, it will remove more carbohydrates and fats. Protein isolate powders usually contain 90 -95 protein.

3. Protein hydrolysates

To get this, bonds between amino acids are broken by further heating with acids or enzymes. By this method, hydrosylates are absorbed more quickly by the body and muscles.

Amongst these 3 forms, hydrosylates raises insulin level more than other forms. The raised insulin level helps in muscle growth.


Athletes and regular weight lifters will benefit a lot from the protein powders because they help maximize muscle gain and fat loss.

Some powders are normally fortified with vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.

However, it is important to note that for people who have high protein-rich food, there might be no added difference in the quality of life after adding protein powder. This means that not everybody benefits from protein powders.

Read Also: Why Does Blood Sugar Go Up At Night

What Better Health Products Do Diabetes Eat

Diseases come from the mouth. Do not use those containing sugar and high starch content, such as lotus root, potato and sweet potato, including sugar coating outside drugs


what are the nutritional supplements for diabetes? b>

first of all, patients with diabetes should pay attention to eat less meals, pay attention to low salt, low fat, low sugar diet, but also need to pay attention to, high energy food, high. p>

Role Of The Incretin Hormones Gip And Glp

Tips to choose the best sugar free protein powder

The phenomenon by which insulin secretion is increased when glucose is given by the enteral route, when compared to an isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusion, is called the incretin effect, and is attributed to the secretion of incretin hormones from the gut. The two known incretin hormones, glucagon-like-peptide-1 and GIP, exert their insulinotropic actions through distinct G-protein-coupled receptors that are highly expressed on beta cells. After oral glucose, about two thirds of the plasma insulin response can be attributed to the effects of GIP and GLP-1. The insulinotropic effects of both GIP and GLP-1 are glucose-dependent, requiring a substantial elevation of blood glucose to be manifest. Incretin based therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are attractive for this reason, as insulin release is only triggered in the presence of elevated glucose concentrations, with consequently minimal risk of hypoglycaemia.

In humans, fats and carbohydrates are reported to be the most potent stimuli for GLP-1 and GIP secretion, although the effects of protein on incretin secretion are less well studied than the other macronutrients. Nevertheless, whey protein is reported to stimulate GLP-1 and GIP release. Bowen et al showed that plasma active GLP-1 concentrations were higher after intake of a whey protein beverage compared to a glucose or fructose drink, but the mechanisms mediating protein-induced incretin secretion remain largely unknown.

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Can Whey Protein Isolate Be Consumed By Diabetics

To keep blood glucose levels constant, whey protein isolate can be divided into 6 small meals, using 5g portions at each meal, in the form of a shake.

For example, it can be consumed shaken with a banana or other fruit of your choice. Of course, its always good to remember: its important to ask your nutritionist or doctor for advice to know the most appropriate amount within your diet.

Best 5 Meal Replacement Shakes For Diabetics

Shakes are on the market in powder and in different flavors. If you are trying a meal replacement, either in a meal or as a snack, its a good idea to initial talk with a dietitian. They can help you choose one that your needs and preferences. Not all shakes are alike. Most of the meal replacement shakes have too much of one nutrient, such as protein, and not enough of others. Some may have too many calories and also sugar.

Following are the Best meal replacement shakes for diabetics-

Read Also: Which Pancreatic Cells Release Insulin And Glucagon

Whey Protein Insulin And Blood Sugar

There are a number of properties of whey protein that appear to be useful in diabetes.

  • Whey protein is a good source of the amino acid L-cysteine. L-cysteine is used to synthesize glutathione, one of the bodys most important antioxidant. Oxidative stressthe buildup of damaging free radicalsis thought to be one of the underlying causes of insulin resistance and to be responsible for some of the complications of diabetes such as peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy and kidney damage.
  • Whey protein, when added to a meal, also appears to increase insulin secretion and to blood sugar after a meal.
  • Whey protein can also decrease triglyceride levels in diabetics after meals.

In a recent study, blood sugar levels were 28% lower in those who had whey protein along with their meal. Insulin levels were increased and, importantly, the insulin response lasted longer. The study was small, only examining the responses of 15 individuals, but the design of the study made the results significant.

Whey has other advantages whey tends to make you feel more full for longer periods of timethis can help in weight loss programs.

Whey protein also has anti-inflammatory activitythis can be very important in overall health and because inflammation is present in anyone with diabetesand inflammation can make controlling blood sugar levels and weight loss tougher. Finally, whey protein appears to increase the loss of fat from the liver.

Examples Of Diabetes Nutritional Shakes To Avoid

Best Protein Shakes for Diabetics!

Lets showcase the point made above:

Glucerna

$1.90

Glucerna Ingredients: Water, Corn Maltodextrin, Milk Protein Concentrate, Fructose, Glycerol, Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides, Cocoa Powder , Soy Protein Isolate, High Oleic Safflower Oil. Less than 2% of the Following: Canola Oil, Soy Oil, Cellulose Gel, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Phosphate, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Liquid Sucralose, Potassium Hydroxide, Magnesium Chloride, Carrageenan, Turmeric Concentrate, Acesulfame Potassium, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, FD& C Red #3, Cupric Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chromium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Phylloquinone, Cyanocobalamin, and Vitamin D3.

As you can see, while the GI of the Glucerna shake is low there are many ingredients in the shake which are highly processed. I personally prefer drinks that have more real food ingredients. Another issue is that the macronutrient profile is skewed in favour of protein and fats, and its very low in carbohydrates.

Boost Diabetic Drink

$1.90

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How To Prepare Purition

Simply blend one serving or 40g of Purition with 1 cup | 8 fl.oz | 200-250ml of your favourite nut milk. Add a little extra sweetness if you need it.

If 40g is not enough to satisfy your appetite for 4 hours simply increase the portion size to 50g.

You can also use Purition to make your own protein energy balls, smoothie bowls or pancakes and use as a topping for oatmeal or plain yoghurt.

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