Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Are Light Protein Shakes Good For Diabetics?

396545384 I heard that diabetics need protein in their diet, but I am not sure. My mother has diabetes and I was wondering if she should add this to her diet.. She complains of low energy and being dizzy.
If so, this brand Muscle milk light formula has only one sugar so I suppose it would be ok?..

5 comments:

  1. buffalo - Soy Protein – Available in three forms, organic soy protein, soy protein isolate, soy powder.

    The organic soy protein is made with “green” technology and is 85% protein.
    The soy protein isolate is extracted using high temperatures and caustic hexane solvents. This can denature the protein and cause toxins to form. This is an inexpensive ingredient and should be avoided.
    Soy powder is defatted soybean meal and contains 42% protein. The organic soy protein would be your best choice, but many are becoming allergic to soy. Also, to make it taste good, extra sugar is added. I think that there are better choices out there.

    Go for the organic.

    Buff

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  2. TheOrange Evil - Every person needs protein. Without protein, we would die.

    More important than the sugar content is the total carbohydrate content of the Muscle Milk. If it's low, then the shake probably won't impact her blood sugar levels.

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  3. Panther4Life - Yes they are good for diabetics. Instead of buying mine, I make them myself. I really like this recipe using Splenda and then I add my own protein powder. Hope this helps!! :)

    Berry Simple Smoothie
    prep time: 5 minutes
    serves 3

    2c frozen unsweetened whole strawberries
    1c plain fat-free yogurt
    1/2 c lite cranberry juice
    1/4 c Splenda sweetener, granulated

    Combine frozen strawberries, yogurt, cranberry juice and Splenda sweetener in a blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.

    Nutrition info:
    Serving size: 8 oz
    Calories: 110
    Calories from fat: 0
    Total fat: 0
    Saturated fat: 0
    Carbohydrates: 22g
    Fiber: 3g
    Cholesterol: 0mg
    Sodium: 65 mg
    Protein: 5g
    Sugars: 18g

    Exchanges: 1 Fruit, 1/2 Milk

    Also, you can modify this recipe by switching the frozen fruit, the flavor of yogurt (I use vanilla), by using store brand Splenda, different juice, etc. Also don't forget to add in the nutrition onfo from the protein powder if you use it. Hope this helps!! :)

    Btw, for a person weighing 150 pounds, around 55 grams of protein per day total is PERFECTLY fine! I was diabetic for 25 years, went into kidney failure and was never restricted on the amount of protein I could consume (EVER), nor was protein ever implicated in my kidney failure :)

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  4. EddySays - Many diabetics have kidney problems and high protein levels can actually impact and reduce kidney function. DO NOT encourage her to use this unproven and unapproved dietary supplement without consulting her doctor first.

    A diet too high in protein could result in kidney failure. Don't screw around here. Get a professional consultation.

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  5. not so - Yes. I buy them for my dad when I go home. Muscle milk is for body builders. There are specific protien drinks for diabetics and older adults. Stay away from soy protien. It mimics estrogen- very bad for women. Whey protien is best.

    She really should tell her doctor if she has low energy and feels dizzy. A good B complex vitamin could help with energy and stress levels.

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