4 Best Nutrition Supplies for Diabetes
Nutrition supplies for diabetes are a helpful way to help people dealing with diabetes meet their proper nutrition and healthy blood sugars. For individuals with diabetes, rapid changes in blood sugar levels can be difficult to manage. Nutritional supplies, like meal replacement shakes or tablets formulated for diabetes, offer an easy-to-consume option to help those with diabetes gain quick energy and manage blood sugar changes.
Below, we highlight the best nutrition supplies for diabetes based on customer reviews and feedback. If your loved one is managing diabetes, we're here to help. Our caregiving experts have compiled this list of the 4 best nutrition supplies to manage blood sugar and support the nutritional needs of individuals with diabetes.
What Are Nutrition Supplies for Diabetes?
Nutrition supplies for diabetes are food items designed with a precise level of fat, protein, and carbohydrates to help manage healthy blood sugars. The best nutrition supplies for diabetes are those that metabolize slowly into the bloodstream, helping to prevent extreme changes in a person's blood glucose levels.
How We Chose the Best Nutrition Supplies for Diabetes
We chose these nutrition products for diabetes based on user or caregiver feedback. The products on our "best of" list are top-selling products, designed to meet specific diabetic nutritional needs.
4 Best Nutrition Supplies for Diabetes
1.Nepro with Carbsteady Ready-to-Use Oral Supplement, Vanilla: Best for Individuals on Dialysis
Nepro's Carbsteady Vanilla Oral Supplement is one of the best nutrition supplies for diabetes, especially for those on dialysis. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 10 to 40% of individuals with Diabetes will end up needing kidney dialysis. Those with co-occurring diabetes and kidney disease have unique protein needs, making this specially formulated vanilla shake a perfect choice.
In addition to 420 calories per bottle and 19.1 grams of protein, the Carbsteady oral supplement also offers a blend of vitamins and minerals made for people on dialysis.
Key Benefits & Features:
Formulated to quickly replace protein and calories lost during dialysis treatment
Can be administered via tube feeding
High calorie at 420 calories per bottle
Hear it from a caregiver
"My husband is on dialysis and he loves these! We also love the price."
- Gwendolyn
Price: $4.94 - $92.00
2. Glucerna Nutritional Shake, Bottle: Best to Minimize Blood Sugar Spikes
Glucerna's Nutritional Shake comes in a delicious chocolate flavor, perfect for those with Diabetes who need to minimize blood sugar spikes. Each chocolate drink contains 10 grams of protein per serving and 180 calories.
The Glucerna drink contains a special type of slow-release carbohydrate that helps prevent intense spikes in blood sugar caused by high-glycemic carbs. This means that drinking this Glucerna shake will prevent sharp spikes in blood sugars, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms for those with diabetes.
Key Benefits & Features:
Contains Vitamin A, E, D, C, and Zinc to support immune system health
Contains 4 grams of fiber per bottle
Lactose and gluten-friendly
Hear it from a caregiver
" My husband is a diabetic and loves these drinks. Hospice patient and no appetite but will drink shakes".
- Jerilyn
Image Not Available
3. Hormel Med Pass Reduced Sugar Fortified Nutritional Shake, Vanilla, Nectar Consistency: Best for those with difficulty swallowing
For individuals with difficulty swallowing, the Hormel Med Pass Nectar Consistency Shake offers the perfect consistency. This product offers a thicker texture than most shakes for diabetes, with a low-sugar vanilla flavor. In addition, what's great about this product is the added vitamins and minerals, ideal for individuals on medication pass programs.
Key Benefits & Features:
Less sugar than a standard Hormel Med Pass Vanilla shake
Thicker, nectar consistency for those with trouble swallowing
480 calories per serving and 20 grams of protein
4. Glutose 15 Oral Glucose Gel, Lemon: Best for Hypoglycemia
Individuals with diabetes who experience hypoglycemia need to quickly raise blood sugar levels. The Glutose 15 Oral Glucose Gel in lemon flavor is a convenient option for a fast response to hypoglycemia. Each tube contains 15 grams of carbohydrates which quickly enter the bloodstream, eliminating the need to eat or drink food.
Key Benefits & Features:
Comes with 3 tubes
Ideal for on-the-go management of hypoglycemia
Quickly raises blood sugar levels
Price: $17.95
Comparing All of These Diabetic Nutrition Supplies
Compare Our Products
How to Choose Nutrition Supplies for Navigating Diabetes
Consider if the individual is on dialysis: Speak with your loved one's doctor about their protein needs undergoing dialysis treatments.
Taste preferences (flavor selection): Finding a product your loved one enjoys is a top priority. Start by asking them what flavors they enjoy.
Calorie, protein, and carbohydrate content: It's important to ensure your loved one gets the right amount of macros for their nutritional needs. For those looking to lose or manage weight, look for a lower-calorie option. If your loved one is hoping to gain or maintain weight, look for a higher-calorie product.
Remember, all nutritional plans should always be discussed with your loved ones' diabetes care team or dietitian, especially when managing diabetes.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. When can diabetes nutritional supplies be used?
Nutritional supplies for those dealing with diabetes can be used as a meal replacement, snack, or as part of a meal.
Caregiver Tip
If a person is having trouble consuming food, a diabetic shake can be a quick way to help manage blood sugars effectively.
2. What side effects can diabetes nutrition supplies cause?
Diabetic nutrition supplies may cause gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) in some individuals. Caregivers can watch for signs of gas, bloating, or stomach pain. Side effects may vary depending on the type of nutritional supplies consumed.
Need Help Choosing Diabetes Nutrition Supplies?
Choosing the best nutrition supplies for diabetes is not always easy. With many products to choose from, it's important to look closely at nutritional labels to find items that best suit each person's individual nutritional needs. From shakes to oral gels to tablets, it may take some time to find the best diabetes nutrition supplies for you or your loved one's needs.
If you need help choosing diabetic nutrition supplies, Carewell is here to help. Talk to one of our caregiving specialists today by calling (800) 696-CARE. We're here to support you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or email us at support@carewell.com. We also offer live care advice right from our website.
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Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Brianna Maguire heads up Carewell’s Customer Care Team, and serves as a resource for caregivers that need support. Whether it’s helping customers decide which products are best for their needs, answering caregiver questions, or just providing a shoulder to lean on on a tough day, her job is to make caregivers’ lives easier.
Brianna Maguire heads up Carewell’s Customer Care Team, and serves as a resource for caregivers that need support. Whether it’s helping customers decide which products are best for their needs, answering caregiver questions, or just providing a shoulder to lean on on a tough day, her job is to make caregivers’ lives easier.