Brand Spotlight: Glucerna Nutritional Shakes & Supplements for Diabetes
Glucerna nutritional shakes are formulated to reduce snack cravings and keep blood sugar within the optimal range. They’re an excellent choice if you or your loved one have diabetes and want to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Glucerna shakes are a favorite among our diabetic customers. They can serve as meal or snack replacements. Further, Glucerna drinks can be administered orally or with tube feeding. Here, we explain what sets Glucerna apart and highlight several of our favorite Glucerna products.
What Makes Glucerna Nutritional Products Unique?
Glucerna is the number one nutrition brand recommended to people with diabetes. Nutritional products sold under the Glucerna label are manufactured by medical device company, Abbott Laboratories. Glucerna snack bars and shakes contain Carbsteady, a special blend of slow-release carbohydrates that reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes.
In the short term, keeping your blood sugar within the optimal range helps maintain your energy and reduces snack cravings. In the long term, it reduces the risk of diabetes complications, including vision loss, nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Studies show that replacing carb-heavy snacks with Glucerna for just one month can eliminate up to:
5,670 calories
1,032 grams of carbohydrates
533 grams of sugar
Including Glucerna products in your diabetes management plan can have lasting benefits for your blood sugar and health.
How We Chose the Products On This List
The Glucerna nutritional shakes featured below are a mix of our best-selling and highest-rated products. Whenever possible, we’ve included real user feedback under the heading “Hear It From a Caregiver/User.”
Our Favorite Glucerna Formulas
1. Glucerna Original Diabetic Shake
Glucerna's original diabetic shake is specifically formulated to help manage blood sugar spikes. Each serving contains Carbsteady (a proprietary blend of slow-release carbohydrates), 10 grams of high-quality protein, vitamins A and D, zinc, and antioxidants.
Key Benefits & Features
Three flavors: rich chocolate, creamy strawberry, and homemade vanilla
Contains nutrients to support immune health
Can be used as a meal or snack replacement
Hear It From a Caregiver: “We selected chocolate Glucerna for the vitamins and protein. Plus, it tastes very good. [This is a] good choice for diabetics.” - Kendra G.
Price: $12.48 - $44.96
2. Glucerna Hunger Smart Shake with Carbsteady
Try Glucerna Hunger Smart if you want the benefits of original Glucerna but with even more protein. Each serving contains 15 grams of high-quality protein that curbs hunger and satisfies snack cravings. Glucerna Hunger Smart tastes great and can be served as a meal or snack.
Key Benefits & Features
Only 180 calories per 10-ounce bottle
Each shake contains 15 grams of protein, 180 calories, 1 carb choice, and up to 6 grams of fiber
Contains vitamins C, E, A, and D, and zinc
Hear It From a User: “I love the Glucerna [Hunger] Smart shake. I’ve only had the chocolate, but it’s delicious! I would recommend it for anybody who enjoys a chocolate shake while trying to control their blood sugar spikes.” - Lindsay S.
Price: $17.14 - $76.34
3. Glucerna 1.5 Cal Oral Supplement
Consider Glucerna’s 1.5-calorie oral supplement if you’re managing slow-healing diabetic wounds on the legs or feet. The formula meets all nutritional needs but requires less volume. Moreover, 22% of the included calories come from protein to support wound healing.
Key Benefits & Features
High-calorie nutrition for enhanced blood sugar control
Contains plant-based omega-3 fatty acids from canola oil to support heart health
Can be administered orally or with tube feeding
Clinically shown to help minimize blood glucose response
Hear It From a Caregiver: “Good price, fast, and reliable. What else can I ask for? My first two orders with Carewell have been great!! They ship out wicked fast and keep me well updated on the status of my order tracking with email and text which I really appreciate. Especially [since] it’s such a pricey tube feeding my brother depends on. 11/10 stars compared to two other top sites that I have used.” - Guadalupe G.
Price: $123.46
4. Glucerna 1.5 Cal Tube Feeding Formula
Glucerna’s 1.5 Cal tube feeding formula is made specifically for diabetics who use a feeding tube. Like other Glucerna nutritional products, it contains Carbsteady to prevent blood sugar from spiking. This formula can be used for supplemental or sole-source nutrition.
Key Benefits & Features
At 1.5 Cal/mL, your loved one’s nutritional needs can be met with less volume
Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids from canola oil to support heart health
For tube feeding
Caregiver Tip: Feed at room temperature using a syringe or feeding pump. To meet additional fluid requirements, serve your loved one water after and between feedings.
Price: $14.32
5. Glucerna 1.2 Cal Tube Feeding Formula
Glucerna’s 1.2 Cal tube feeding formula is formulated for diabetics who use a feeding tube. It contains Carbsteady to keep blood sugar within the optimal range in a calorically dense formula. This product can be used supplementally or as a sole-source of nutrition.
Key Benefits & Features
At 1.2 Cal/mL, your loved one’s nutritional needs can be met with less volume
20% of calories from protein to promote anabolism and support wound healing
Within the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association recommendations for favoring monosaturated fats and limiting saturated fats to help manage lipid profiles
Caregiver Tip: This Glucerna formula is clinically proven to minimize blood glucose response compared to standard formulas.
Price: $3.95 - $191.38
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Questions About Glucerna Products? Get In Touch!
You’ve probably got questions about Glucerna shakes and tube-feeding formulas if this is your first time hearing about them. Our compassionate Care Team is familiar with all the products we carry. They can make personalized recommendations for you or your loved one and answer your questions. Get in touch any time. Call (800) 696-CARE or email support@carewell.com.
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Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.