Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that affects close to 8% of the planet’s adult population and is a growing problem in the developed world, particularly in the United States where the cost of treatment and the management of diabetes can be a very expensive affair. Diabetes Mellitus occurs in two forms: Type 1 which is as a result of the absence of insulin in the blood due to the pancreas not functioning properly and type 2 which is characterized by cells failing to respond to insulin. Eventually type 2 also leads to a lack of insulin in the body to control the levels of blood glucose. 90% of the diabetics in the world have type 2 diabetes.

Being a diabetic entails eating healthy food, exercising daily to keep fit as well as to maintain normal weight and avoiding substances like tobacco. Diabetics are usually careful to avoid foods with a lot of sugars or very high in carbohydrates and fats which may lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels. This is why diabetics often turn to protein rich foods as well as supplements and protein shakes.

Protein shakes have become an essential part of a diabetic’s diet for several reasons. The first and most important reason is that protein shakes help in weight loss. Obese diabetics are usually at risk of so many complications that shorten their lives that all doctors usually recommend a weight loss regimen once an obese person is diagnosed with diabetes. Protein shakes, especially whey protein shakes are extremely helpful in weight loss. Whey protein is a powerful metabolic activator. It helps the body burn a lot of calories and is very effective when combined with exercise. Whey and Casein protein shakes also help in controlling appetite. Both activate the signals sent by the digestive tract to the brain that indicate that the stomach is full thus both lower the calorie intake of an obese person.

For those with normal weight, protein shakes help to supplement the daily protein intake thus keeping the body healthy and free from the complications associated with protein deficiency. The protein shakes also act as body building supplements for active diabetics thus helping them to build a good body frame despite the diabetes. Protein shakes, especially those containing whey have been shown to boost insulin production as well as glucose metabolism in the digestive tract. By increasing the proportion of protein in the diet, protein shakes reduce the intake of large quantities of sugars that may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels thus they play a huge role in keeping the blood sugar levels of a diabetic stable.

A wide variety of protein shakes exist in the market. Some come in pure form, that is they contain only protein in them such as whey protein, which may be in concentrate or isolate form, Casein or milk protein, Egg white protein or Vegetable protein shakes made of soy, rice or pea protein. Others come in mixed form whereby protein is the dominant nutrient but the product has been fortified with various minerals and vitamins. With all the benefits that protein shakes have, they should be recommended to all diabetics who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We at Carbaholics Anonymous hope this article and all the others, have aided you, in your health care needs. Remember to always consult your physician, before adding new products to your diet. Safety first. We at Carbaholics Anonymous hope this article and all the others, have aided you, in your health care needs.

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Diabetes mellitus, also referred to simply as diabetes, involves a group of metabolic diseases that affects how the body is able to breakdown sugar in the blood, or blood glucose. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can lead to serious health complications. Some of these conditions include kidney and eye damage, cardiovascular disease, stroke and neuropathy. Combining a healthy diet and regular exercise will help to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Protein shakes for diabetes can be a healthy alternative for diabetics seeking to maintain insulin level and to control hunger.

Benefits of Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are often marketed as an aide for those that seek weight loss, or to build muscle. Protein shakes can assist with weight loss by replacing other higher-calorie beverages, such as soda. Protein also works to satiate the appetite, maintaining blood glucose levels, decreasing the desire to snack on sweets. This function is especially important for those with diabetes with an increased insulin production. Protein is an essential nutrient for proper growth and development of muscle tissue. When drinking a protein shake, the protein is broken down by the body into various amino acids, and recovered by muscles. These recovering muscles use the amino acids to repair themselves, thus becoming bigger and stronger.

How to Choose the Best Protein Shake For Diabetes

Unfortunately, not all protein shakes are created equally. Those with diabetes must be especially cautious when choosing the best shake for their nutritional requirements. Many store-bought shakes can be high in fat, calories and have added sugars. Foods that are processed tend to have less nutrients, vitamins and minerals than a natural alternative. A general rule to follow when making healthy choices and reading labels is, the fewer the ingredients, the better the choice. Learn to become an expert label reader. Manufactures list ingredients in order of highest content to lowest, so avoid those shakes with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients. Diabetics should choose a protein shake that contains less than 200 calories as a snack, and less than 350 calories if used as a meal replacement. There are many ready-to-drink store-bought protein shakes designed with diabetics in mind. Some of these brands include Glucerna SR, Boost Glucose Control, EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control, Atkins Advantage, and Slim-Fast Lower Carb Diet. There are also protein shake powders with diabetics in mind such as Almaseed, Kenzen Body Balance and Extend Nutrition Shake.

Those with diabetes may opt to prepare their own protein shakes. This allows the individual to control the ingredients and the nutritional quality of the shake. A healthy homemade protein shake can include delicious ingredients such as almond milk, soymilk or fat-free milk, fruit, peanut butter or almond butter, Greek yogurt, and chocolate or vanilla flavored protein powder.

Summary

Protein shakes can be a healthy addition whether an individual is seeking to lose weight, build muscle or maintain a steady blood glucose level. With the help of a physician, regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet, those with diabetes will find success managing their blood glucose levels.