Protein shakes have become a popular dietary supplement for people looking to increase their protein intake and support their fitness goals. But what about those with diabetes? With careful consideration, protein shakes can be a safe and beneficial addition to the diet of people with diabetes. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps with muscle repair, growth, and overall health. This blog will explore the protein shakes for diabetics, their benefits, and how to choose the right protein powder and shake recipe to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. So, if you or a loved one is living with diabetes and considering adding protein shakes to your diet, keep reading to learn more.What are protein shakes?
Protein shakes are a convenient and easy way to increase your daily protein intake. They are typically made by mixing a protein powder, such as whey or casein, with water, milk, or a non-dairy milk alternative. They can also be combined with other ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, to make a delicious and nutritious meal or snack.Protein shakes can help with muscle recovery, growth, weight management, and overall health.Read Also: Diabetes Swollen Feet: Causes And TreatmentsHow to choose protein shakes for diabetics?
Choosing a protein shake for a diabetic can be tricky, as you must pay attention to the carbohydrate and sugar content.Here is a checklist that can help you choose a protein shake that is suitable for diabetics:1. Check the nutrition facts label -
Look at the total carbohydrate and sugar content and the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your specific dietary needs.2. Look for low-sugar options -
Aim for protein shakes with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving.3. Check for artificial sweeteners -
Some protein powders contain artificial sweeteners, which may impact blood sugar levels, so it's best to read the ingredient list and consult with a dietitian or healthcare professional before consuming.Read Also: 5 Complications That Come With Diabetes4. Pay attention to the protein source -
Choose a shake with a high-quality protein source, such as whey or casein, to help you feel full and satisfied.5. Consult with a healthcare professional.
Before making a final decision, consult a doctor or dietitian to determine what is best for your needs and dietary restrictions.Also Read: Are Diabetes and Heart Disease Related?10 Best Protein Shakes for Diabetics -
The best protein shakes for diabetics are those low in added sugars and carbohydrates and high in protein. Here are some of the top protein powders for people with diabetes:1. Premier Protein Shake -
Premier Protein is a protein shake designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 30 grams of protein per serving and 24 vitamins and minerals.One serving (11 fl oz) of Premier Protein Shake contains:-Calories: 160-Fat: 2.5g-Sodium: 180mg -Carbohydrates: 7g -Sugar: 1g
-Protein: 30g2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder:
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 24 grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids.A serving (1 scoop) of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder contains:-Calories: 120-Fat: 1g-Sodium: 65mg-Carbohydrates: 3g-Sugars: 1g-Protein: 24gRead Also: Difference Between Diabetes Type I & II3. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Shake:
Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Shake is a protein shake designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 32 grams of protein per serving and 20 vitamins and minerals.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (14 fl oz) of Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Shake:-Calories: 250-Fat: 6g-Saturated fat: 2g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 20mg-Sodium: 260mg-Potassium: 420mg-Carbohydrates
: 18g-Dietary fiber: 1g-Sugars
: 7g-Protein: 32g4. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder:
Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 40 grams of protein per serving and 25 vitamins and minerals.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1 scoop) of Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder:-Calories: 120-Fat: 0.5g-Saturated fat: 0.5g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 5mg-Sodium: 60mg-Potassium: 220mg-Carbohydrates
: 0g-Dietary fiber: 0g-Sugars
: 0g-Protein: 25gAlso Read: Is Peanut Butter Good for Diabetes?5. Quest Nutrition Protein Powder:
Quest Nutrition Protein Powder is a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 24 grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of fiber.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1 scoop) of Quest Nutrition Protein Powder:-Calories: 130-Fat: 2g-Saturated fat: 1g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 60mg-Sodium: 250mg-Potassium: 100mg -Carbohydrates: 2g
-Dietary fiber: 1g -Sugars: 1g
-Protein: 24g6. BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder:
BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder is a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 22 grams of protein per serving and 6 grams of fiber.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1 scoop) of BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder:-Calories: 200-Fat: 6g-Saturated fat: 2g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 70mg-Sodium: 240mg-Potassium: 260mg-Carbohydrates
: 8g-Dietary fiber: 2g-Sugars
: 2g-Protein: 22gRead Also: 14 Lifestyle Changes for Managing Diabetes7. EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Protein Shake:
EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Protein Shake is a protein shake designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 24 grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of fiber.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (11 fl oz) of EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Protein Shake:-Calories: 110-Fat: 2g-Saturated fat: 1g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 5mg-Sodium: 150mg-Potassium: 130mg-Carbohydrates
: 3g-Dietary fiber: 1g-Sugars
: 1g-Protein: 20g8. MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder:
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder is a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 25 grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of fiber. Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1 scoop) of MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder:-Calories: 130-Fat: 1g-Saturated fat: 0.5g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 35mg-Sodium: 110mg-Potassium: 140mg-Carbohydrates
: 3g-Dietary fiber: 1g-Sugars
: 1g-Protein: 25gAlso Read: Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes & COVID-19 - Everything You Need To Know9. Nature's Best Perfect Low-Carb Isopure Protein Powder:
Nature's Best Perfect Low Carb Isopure Protein Powder is a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 40 grams of protein per serving and 20 vitamins and minerals.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1 scoop) of Nature's Best Perfect Low Carb Isopure Protein Powder:-Calories: 110-Fat: 0.5g-Saturated fat: 0g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 5mg-Sodium: 55mg-Potassium: 220mg -Carbohydrates: 1g -Dietary fiber: 0g -Sugars: 0g
-Protein: 25g10. Vega Sport Performance Protein -
Vega Sport Performance Protein is study a protein powder designed to help you build muscle and lose weight. It contains 30 grams of protein per serving and 6 grams of branched-chain amino acids.Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1 scoop) of Vega Sport Performance Protein:-Calories: 130-Fat: 2.5g-Saturated fat: 0.5g-Trans fat: 0g-Cholesterol: 0mg-Sodium: 170mg-Potassium: 260mg-Carbohydrates
: 6g-Dietary fiber: 2g-Sugars
: 2g-Protein: 25gAlso Read: Diabetes with Aortic Stenosis - A Deadly CombinationTips to consider for diabetics when consuming protein shakes-
Keep these things in mind as a diabetic patient whenever consuming any such formulations-1. Blood sugar level fluctuations -
Consuming protein shakes, particularly those high in sugar or carbohydrates, can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels.2. Interaction with medication -
Protein shakes may interact with diabetes medication, so it's important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming them.3. Hidden added sugars -
Some protein shakes may contain added sugars, so checking the ingredient list and nutrition facts label before consuming is important.Read Also: 9 Cool Preventive Measures for Gestational Diabetes4. Low nutritional value -
Some protein shakes may be high in protein but low in other essential nutrients, so it's important to choose a well-balanced and nutrient-dense shake.5. Allergic reactions -
Some protein powders may contain allergens, such as dairy or soy, so it's important to check the ingredient list and consult a healthcare professional before consuming.Also Read: 14 Effective Home Remedies For DiabetesRead Also: Everything You Need to Know About Gestational DiabetesTo wrap up-
In conclusion, protein shakes can be a healthy and safe dietary supplement for people with diabetes. With careful consideration and proper planning, protein shakes for diabetics can provide various health benefits, including supporting muscle growth and repair, promoting satiety, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. When selecting a protein powder, it is important to look for a high-quality product that is low in added sugars and carbohydrates and is specifically designed for people with diabetes. Consult a healthcare professional, check nutrition labels, and experiment with different options for the best results. Remember to include it in a balanced diet and monitor blood sugar levels.Also Read: Signs That You May Have Diabetes - Early signs of diabetes Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetics consume protein shakes?
Yes, diabetics can consume protein shakes as long as they choose options that are low in sugar and carbohydrates and monitor their intake accordingly. It's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine what is best for your individual needs and dietary restrictions.
How much protein do diabetics need?
The recommended daily protein intake for diabetics is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, similar to the general population's recommendations. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is best for your individual needs and dietary restrictions.
Should diabetics avoid protein powders with artificial sweeteners?
Some people with diabetes may want to avoid protein powders with artificial sweeteners because they may impact blood sugar levels, so it's best to read the ingredient list and consult with a dietitian or healthcare professional before consuming.

Written by
Garima Yadav
Health & Wellness Blogger
GenderFemale
CountryIndia
JoinedJan 2022
Wrote543 posts
Garima Yadav is a health journalist focusing on food, fitness, beauty, and personal health trends. She has roughly 10-years of experience in Health & Wellness content creation.
She delivers blogs and private practice dedicated to being reviewed by health specialists at credihealth.View Profile