In today’s hectic world, trying to eat healthy can often be overwhelming, and poor food choices and skipping meals can inhibit efforts to control diabetes and manage weight. Meal replacements can be a helpful option for many individuals as part of their diabetes management plan because they are convenient, easy to carry, and nutritionally complete.

Meal replacements provide a known calorie count with specific macro- and micro-nutrient levels to help take some of the guesswork out of complex meal planning—no need for measuring, weighing, or counting calories and nutrients. Glucerna® shakes are designed specifically for people with diabetes to help manage blood sugar response, and can be used as meal replacements. Below are some commonly asked questions related to meal replacement:

Meal replacements are foods that you can eat or drink as an alternative to or as part of your meals. They are a quick and easy way to get the nutrition you need. Other examples of meal replacements include: prepackaged meals, such as frozen entrees, and ready-to-mix powders.

According to the American Diabetes Association, use of meal replacements once or twice daily to replace a usual meal can result in significant weight loss.¹

The right meal replacement can help you manage your weight and help manage blood sugar response, while providing complete nutrition. Read nutrition labels. Meal replacements for people with diabetes should contain the right types of carbohydrates for people with diabetes, including low glycemic carbohydrates.

They can be used in place of 1 or 2 meals, or as part of a meal. You can also combine a meal replacement with other foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain crackers, nuts, fat-free milk, and light yogurt. For example:

1. Instead of skipping breakfast, grab a shake or bar on your way out the door
2. With lunch, you might have a shake plus an apple
3. Rather than snacking from the vending machine, carry a shake or bar to eat when you get hungry between meals

Your dietitian can help best determine how to incorporate meal replacements into your diabetes meal plan.