Best Protein Drink for Diabetics
It can be difficult to obtain enough protein, especially if you want to build adequate muscle with food alone. This is where protein powder can come in! At the same time, protein powder can contain sneaky ingredients that may spike blood sugar levels.
1. Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder. If you consider eating organic and natural as something that’s important for you, this option is perfect. It’s smooth and creamy and offers 21 grams of protein per scoop. This protein powder also has various flavor options, including chocolate, birthday cake, cookies ‘n cream, iced coffee, vanilla bean and more!
The protein in this shake is sourced from organic peas, chia seeds and brown rice. It’s also worth noting that it contains a bit more carbs and fat than other protein varieties. However, don’t let this deter you! It also has healthy prebiotics and fiber, which can support gut health.
Like protein, fiber also helps slow the digestion of carbs. In turn, this can help balance blood sugar levels, ensuring no spikes after a meal incorporating this powder!
2. Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
If you’re on a budget, this may be the best choice for you. The Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate can be purchased on Amazon. It offers non-GMO, gluten-free protein, with 25 grams per serving. It also contains an abundant amount of amino acids, helping you achieve your daily nutritional needs.
It further comes in five different flavors, with an unflavored option, too! This can be great if you want to use it for baking or cooking.
Just like other protein powders, this one works to slow the digestion of carbs. This helps balance blood sugar levels by ensuring a steady inflow of sugar into the bloodstream as opposed to a huge spike.
3. Naked Pea
Naked Pea contains no artificial sweeteners, Artificial Flavors or Artificial Colors. It’s also vegan, gluten-free and soy free. This is another one that can easily be purchased on Amazon and delivered right to your front door.
Each serving offers up 27 grams of complete protein. The unflavored one is best for diabetics due to the fact that it doesn’t contain coconut sugar (which the chocolate and vanilla flavors do).
4. Legion Whey+
Legion Whey+ provides 22 grams of protein along with nine essential amino acids per serving. It also contains only three grams of carbs and zero fat or added sugar. This makes it an ideal option for diabetics, as it offers plenty of protein without the sugar spike.
This protein powder also has many third-party testing claims, making it trustworthy and credible. The cows that this protein comes from are also grass-fed, meaning they aren’t fed soy or corn; this can impact the quality of the protein and ensures you get only the very best!
5. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is one of the best options for diabetics. It contains high-quality protein and, best of all, it’s low in sugar. It contains 28 grams of protein, beating out other options and ensuring steady blood sugar levels post-meal.
In fact, a 2023 scientific review indicates that high-quality whey protein, like that from Transparent Labs, can help improve insulin sensitivity and post-meal blood sugar levels. Overall, this is likely the best option. However, the downsides include a slightly higher price tag, which may not fit into everyone’s budget.
Other Diabetic Treatments
While protein powder is a wonderful addition to your diet, it’s no replacement for your doctor’s orders. It’s still important to take your insulin or other diabetes medication as advised.
Additionally, other lifestyle choices are important, too. For instance, adequate exercise can help lower blood sugar, and studies have shown this! Even a short walk after eating can help lower blood sugar levels and ensure complications don’t arise. If you’re unsure about the next step forward, discuss your options with your doctor. They know you and your health situation best.
Monitoring Nutritional Intake and Blood Sugar Levels
A diabetes diagnosis often means close monitoring of your nutritional intake and blood sugar levels. This can help ensure complications don’t arise and that you’re obtaining all the nutrients your body needs to function at its best.
As you may already be well aware, protein is an essential macronutrient—meaning we need it in large amounts each day. Often, this means consuming about 20-30 grams of protein at each meal.