Abbott’s Glucerna shake unlocks better diabetes management, study shows

16 Aug 2024 --- The high-protein, low-fat Glucerna Protein Smart Shake designed for people with diabetes by Abbott was shown in a new clinical trial to stimulate the release of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and reduce individuals’ blood glucose response in comparison to a common breakfast choice.

“Individuals managing diabetes often have a lot to think about and sometimes nutrition can be overwhelming,” Sara Thomas, Ph.D., a nutrition scientist at Abbott and lead author of the study, tells Nutrition Insight. “The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of Glucerna Protein Smart compared to oatmeal, a common breakfast food, on glucose response as well as GLP-1 and insulin responses, which are modulators of glucose response.”

“Compared to instant oatmeal, Glucerna Protein Smart stimulated the release of GLP-1 213% more and reduced individuals’ blood glucose response by 80% over four hours. The results highlight the benefits of Glucerna Protein Smart as a suitable replacement of a high glycemic food for managing blood glucose.”

“Our study looked at the immediate or short-term glucose response after individuals consumed two different — but calorically equivalent (150 calories per shake) — breakfast options and demonstrated that Glucerna, a convenient and portion-controlled option, can positively support those with type 2 diabetes.”

GLP-1 in diabetes management 

The research team tested the postprandial (post-meal) glucose, insulin and GLP-1 response to the shake and oatmeal in a randomized, controlled, crossover study in 24 adults with type 2 diabetes. On two test days, participants were selected at random to receive either the shake or the oatmeal. 

Abbott’s Glucerna Protein Smart Shake (Image credit: Abbott).The team measured glucose, insulin and total GLP-1 concentration levels at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min postprandially.

Thomas tells us that when it comes to the dietary management of diabetes, many focus on the type and amount of carbohydrates or incorporate low-glycemic carbs to manage the post-meal glucose response. 

“However, blood glucose response is more complicated than just the body’s response to eating carbohydrates. GLP-1 is a natural hormone also released in the gut after you eat and helps manage the blood glucose response. Certain food combinations — such as certain types of fiber, protein and fat — may have a larger impact on GLP-1 release and minimize your blood sugar,” she details.

“Therefore, it’s not just about the type and amount of carbohydrates but making sure you include a mix of nutrients in each meal.” 

The primary motivation for selecting instant oatmeal as the comparator food was to study a popular breakfast option. 

According to Thomas, “This is the meal after which people’s rise in blood glucose is typically the highest, making it an ideal meal to target to improve overall diabetes management.”

“We chose instant oatmeal as the comparator in the study because it is a convenient and commonly consumed breakfast in the US.”

Glucerna as part of a healthy diet

Given the nutritional profile of the Glucerna shake, a blend of slow-release carbohydrates designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes compared to high-glycemic carbohydrates, it can be integrated into a diabetes management plan under medical supervision.

GLP-1 is a natural hormone also released in the gut after you eat and helps manage the blood glucose response.“Glucerna shakes are specifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes and can be used as a meal or partial meal replacement as part of a weight management plan. Glucerna shakes have slow-release carbohydrates, protein, and other important vitamins and minerals that help meet nutritional needs while managing blood glucose,” says Thomas.

Abbott’s Glucerna therapeutic nutrition for people with diabetes also includes its Original Shake, Therapeutic Nutrition Shake, Snack Shake, Mini Treats Bars, the 1.0 Cal, 1.5 Cal, 1.2 Cal and its Hunger Smart range, including its Shake, Powder and Meal Size Shake. 

“Glucerna Protein Smart — the product included in this study — contains 30 g of protein and 25 vitamins and minerals to support muscle health and help manage hunger. The results demonstrate that Glucerna Protein Smart can replace high glycemic breakfast options while helping to manage blood glucose response.”  

Thomas asserts that when it comes to diabetes management, small changes can make a meaningful difference. 

“The body’s glucose response after meals can play a big role in overall blood glucose control since all meals ultimately contribute to your A1C levels  — measuring the average amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood over the past three months.”

“Therefore, when individuals with type 2 diabetes more often consume foods that improve postprandial response, they can ultimately better manage their condition.”

The so-called “smart carbohydrate” (isomaltulose) has similarly been shown to stimulate the release of beneficial gut hormones, including GLP-1, in overweight adults.

By Milana Nikolova