Abbott Announces New Glucerna Cereal, Shakes and Snack Bars Designed to Spike Taste Buds, Not Blood Sugar for People with Diabetes

27/04/07 People with diabetes often have to sacrifice flavor and variety in their diets to help control their blood sugar -- until now. Abbott is now offering people with diabetes new snack and meal choices specifically formulated for their special dietary needs. Abbott's new and improved line of Glucerna nutrition products includes cereal, shakes and snack bars with great taste, more convenient packaging and new ingredients to help manage blood sugar spikes.

The new line of products includes a unique cereal formulated specifically for people with diabetes, along with an improved version of the popular Glucerna shake in a convenient reclosable plastic bottle instead of a metal can. The new reclosable bottles make it easier for people to have a diabetes-friendly snack or meal wherever they are. Other additions include Glucerna Snack Shakes and Glucerna Mini-Snack Bars. The new cereal and reformulated shakes contain unique carbohydrate blends that have been clinically shown to help manage blood sugar spikes along with an important mineral, chromium picolinate, that helps the body's own insulin work more efficiently.

"Hectic schedules and busy lives can make it hard to eat right. Abbott's goal is to help people living with diabetes by offering convenient and healthier options formulated specifically to meet their unique dietary needs," said Michael J. Ferry, general manager of Abbott Nutrition's Healthy Living business. "These innovations are part of our ongoing commitment to people with diabetes and their unique needs."

Glucerna Cereal

The new Glucerna Cereal is formulated specifically for people with diabetes, offering a great new choice at breakfast time. This cereal provides an excellent source of fiber, five grams of whole grains and three grams of protein per serving and is available in three flavors: Crunchy Flakes 'n Strawberries, Crunchy Flakes 'n Raisins and Crunchy Flakes 'n Almonds.

"Eating a healthy breakfast is essential for maintaining blood sugar control, but until now, people with diabetes have had a limited number of tasty and convenient breakfast options that help meet their nutritional needs," said Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. "Glucerna Cereal allows people with diabetes to enjoy this traditional breakfast food while helping to reduce their blood sugar response."

Glucerna Shakes, Snack Shakes and Mini-Snack Bars

As another benefit for people with diabetes, the improved Glucerna Shakes were awarded the ChefsBest Award for Best Taste. The ChefsBest Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs. Each shake contains new, unique blends of slowly digested carbohydrates that are clinically shown to help minimize blood sugar spikes. Each shake also includes an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, providing 400 mg per 8-fluid-ounce serving (25 percent of the Daily Value) to help support circulatory and heart health. The 200-calorie shakes are now available in a convenient reclosable plastic bottle in four flavors: Creamy Chocolate Delight, Homemade Vanilla, Strawberries 'n Cream and Butter Pecan.

Glucerna Snack Shakes and Glucerna Mini-Snack Bars are also great for a mid-morning, afternoon or evening snack to fill the gap between meals and were also awarded the ChefsBest Award for Best Taste against all leading competitors. The 140-calorie shakes are available in two flavors: Creamy Chocolate Delight and Homemade Vanilla. Glucerna Mini-Snack Bars contain 70-80 calories and offer a convenient, on-the-go snack option. Mini-Snack Bars are available in two flavors: Chocolate Peanut and Oatmeal Raisin.

The new line of Glucerna products will be widely available by June 2007 in the pharmacy section of retail stores throughout the country. Glucerna products are for use under medical supervision as part of a diabetes management plan.

The Diabetes Control for Life Program

Along with offering these new products, Abbott continues to sponsor Diabetes Control for Life, a comprehensive, customizable online program for people with diabetes. This free, Web-based program provides materials and tips on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle, including:

-- A personal assessment report to determine levels of readiness to change eating habits and lifestyle
-- Customizable meal and fitness plans
-- Helpful, motivating articles about healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle
-- Weekly e-mail communication to encourage, educate and motivate participants
-- Access to live, one-on-one instant messaging with dietitians
-- A personal tracker to monitor blood glucose levels and weight loss.

Diabetes Control for Life has helped people with diabetes markedly improve their condition. Based on self-reported responses from an online survey of more than 600 enrollees conducted in December 2006:

-- 60 percent said their blood glucose levels have improved
-- 65 percent said they are now checking blood sugar more consistently, and 62 percent said they are more physically active
-- More than three-quarters reported making better food choices
-- After six months, participants reported losing an average of 7.5 percent of their body weight and over 13 percent decrease in fasting blood glucose.