Diabetic Control Shakes and Bars
May 10, 2010
Latest question from FOODPICKER.org:
I was diagnosed with diabetes a few months ago. I’m wondering about those bars and shakes I see advertised for people with diabetes. Are they good to use? Sometimes I’m out and need a snack or quick lunch.
Answer:
Specially formulated diabetic bars and shakes can be apart of a healthy and balanced diet when used appropriately. They should not consistently be used as replacements for meals, but once in a while is perfectly acceptable.
The ingredients in these products are designed to cause a dulled or delayed rise in blood glucose after eating; this will help prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Some have uncooked cornstarch that can help to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially at night. Basically, they help to steady the rise and fall of blood glucose.
When using these products as a meal or snack, identify the carbohydrate grams and use this as a guide to incorporate into your meal patterns. For example, a 15-20 gram carbohydrate item would be a suitable snack.
If you want to read about this subject in greater depth, visit this website. Points were adapted from this article: http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/15/1/11.full
