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Frequently Asked Questions 

About Diabetes

  1. How often should I check my blood sugar?

    Blood sugar monitoring is an essential part of a good diabetes management plan. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests the following blood glucose targets for most adults: 80-130 mg/dL before a meal, and less than 180 mg/dL 1-2 hours after the start of a meal.* Ask your doctor how often to check your blood sugar and what times of the day would be best for you to test.     

  2. What is my HbA1c? 

    HbA1c is a test that provides information about your average blood sugar level over a period of time (approximately 2 to 3 months). Tight blood sugar control would be reflected in a level of less than 7%. 

  3. How can I learn more about diabetes? 

    Research is always changing, so it's important to continue to learn more about your diabetes. Ask your doctor if there are any diabetes classes offered locally, such as at a hospital, that you could attend. If you want to study more about diabetes, you can visit this site.

  4. What is a healthy weight for me? 

    For those with diabetes, losing weight can help lower blood pressure, improve blood cholesterol levels, and improve blood sugar control. Weight loss might even help you reduce some of your medications. Consult a healthcare professional to find out your healthy weight. 

  5. Why should I choose sucrose-free products? 

    Sucrose-free food products may benefit people with diabetes by supporting weight and glucose management. While it is sucrose-free, Glucerna® is nutritious and delicious. It is specially formulated to be low in Glycemic index (GI) with a unique, slow-release carbohydrate blend that includes diabetes-friendly ingredients such as Fibersol-2, sucromalt, maltitol, fructose, isomaltulose, FOS, and oat fiber. 

  6. How much should I eat? 

    The number of calories and carbohydrates recommended for meals and snacks varies among individuals depending on several factors, including age, sex, weight, activity level, health conditions, and any diabetes medications you might be taking. Your doctor can recommend a calorie level that meets your individual nutritional needs and might also have meal plans or other diet information that you can take home with you. 

  7. I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Is T2DM reversible? How do I stay in better control of my glucose levels? 

    Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, is brought on by age, genetics (seen in the family history), and environmental influence - the biggest of which is overweight or obesity. Understanding this, type 2 diabetes is reversible when overweight, and obesity contributes significantly. Knowing your BMI can help you set a weight loss goal, and determine if you need to lose weight or how much of it you need to lose. Control of blood glucose requires a 3-prong approach of  
    • Watching your diet,
    • Reducing weight if overweight through diet and exercise, and
    • Following your doctor's advice in taking medication
  8. Is there a recommended diet for people with T2DM? Do I need to stop taking carbohydrates or sugary food? 

    Generally, the recommended diet for diabetes is to be mindful of the food that can raise blood glucose levels. These are in the form of sugary food, fruits, and starchy carbohydrates. The idea is not to stop taking carbohydrates or fruits but to reduce the amount, choose low glycemic index carbohydrates, incorporate fiber and combine with vegetables and protein in the diet. Sugary food should be avoided when blood glucose levels are high and not well controlled, but they can be incorporated into the diet when the control is better. Diet is to be balanced with physical activity and regular exercise. Seeing a dietitian for individualized advice is important. 

Glucerna® and diabetes

  1. I am overweight and have T2DM. How can losing weight help me better manage my condition? Would a diabetes-specific formula like Glucerna® help me with losing weight?

    Besides genetics and age, type 2 diabetes is driven by being overweight, the biggest environmental influence on the condition. Being overweight makes the body less efficient in its use of insulin which is the hormone that lowers blood glucose levels. Regular exercise and losing weight increase the body's efficiency in using insulin to lower blood glucose levels. Both actions help a person reduce reliance on medication to control the condition. Diabetes-friendly meal replacements like Glucerna® can be used in conjunction with a doctor's or dietitian's advice to substitute a higher calorie meal or snack. If done regularly and consistently, together with an overall diet plan and regular exercise and physical activity, this can help a person lose weight. 

  2. How can Glucerna® help me manage diabetes?

    The new Glucerna® is Abbott’s most advanced diabetes nutrition formula to complement your diabetes care plan. Glucerna® is scientifically formulated to support diabetes management. It now has four times higher inositol* which helps the body convert sugar into energy and remains low Glycemic Index (GI)8 with an advanced slow-release carbohydrate blend and a unique dual fiber blend of oat and FOS, that helps the body produce insulin naturally. Each serving also delivers 10 g of a high-quality triple protein blend and provides complete and balanced nutrition with 35 nutrients to support your daily nutrition needs. It is a convenient yet nutritious choice that may be used as a meal replacement or part of a meal to support diabetes dietary management.
    *800 mg inositol per one serving of Glucerna® vs previous formulation.

  3. Are Glucerna® products appropriate for people with type 1 diabetes?

    Glucerna® products are appropriate for people with type 1 diabetes. However, it is important to monitor your blood glucose regularly to see how Glucerna® affects it and your insulin needs. As always, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your diabetes management plan.

  4. Can Glucerna® products be used as a part of a person’s current diabetes meal plan?

    Glucerna® products can be incorporated into a person’s diabetes meal plan and overall management plan.

  5. Can Glucerna® products be used during pregnancy for women with gestational diabetes?

    Yes, studies have been completed with Glucerna® products in a population of pregnant women with diabetes or with gestational diabetes. Nursing and pregnant women should be aware of the vitamin and mineral content listed on the labels and discuss Glucerna® usage with a healthcare professional when combined with other supplements (maternal vitamins and minerals) and daily food intake.

  6. Can a child with diabetes use Glucerna® products?

    Nutrient levels in Glucerna® have been designed based on nutritional recommendations for adults. Consult a healthcare professional to help develop a meal plan incorporating Glucerna® products.

  7. Can Glucerna® be used for people with prediabetes?

    People with prediabetes need a high-fiber diet while limiting saturated fats. Glucerna® is high in fiber and low in saturated fats, so that it can be used by people with prediabetes.

 

Product-related questions

  1. What are low-glycemic carbohydrates?

    Low-glycemic carbohydrates – those with a low glycemic index – are processed more slowly by our digestive system and so cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose5. Glucerna® contains a blend of carbohydrates that are low glycemic.. Together, this combination of carbohydrates produces a lower blood glucose response than higher-glycemic carbohydrates.2 Refer to the Glucerna® product label for specific ingredient information.

  2. Are Glucerna® products a good choice for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

    For people with or without diabetes, Glucerna® products should not be used to treat hypoglycemia, insulin shock, or insulin reaction because the carbohydrates in Glucerna® are not absorbed quickly enough to restore blood glucose to a normal level fast enough. Talk to your healthcare professional about appropriate treatment options for low blood glucose episodes

  3. What is the glycemic index of Glucerna®?

    Glucerna® has a low glycemic index (GI): Vanilla powder (mixed with water) has a GI of 35, Chocolate powder (mixed with water) has a GI of 29, Wheat powder (mixed with water) has a GI of 38, and the 200 ml Ready-to-Drink Glucerna® has a GI of 271

  4. Do Glucerna® products contain lactose?

    All of our Glucerna® products contain a maximum of 24 mg of lactose per serving. Compared to a glass of milk, which has 10,000 mg to 12,000 mg of lactose per serving, the amount of lactose in Glucerna® is very low. Therefore, Glucerna® is suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

  5. Do you recommend Glucerna® products for diabetes and chronic renal failure patients?

    The decision to use Glucerna® products for anyone with chronic kidney disease (CKD) ultimately rests with the nephrologist/healthcare professional, who will assess the patient’s needs individually.

  6. Have any scientific studies been done to support Glucerna®’s claims?

    Yes. Glucerna® has been studied for over 30 years in more than 59 clinical studies, with more than 4,800 individuals.

  7. How is Glucerna® different from regular milk?

    Glucerna® provides complete and balanced nutrition that is scientifically formulated to support the dietary management of diabetes. It includes an advanced slow-release carbohydrate blend and a unique lipid blend with ‘good’ fats like MUFA, omega-3, and omega-6. Unlike regular milk, Glucerna® is low in lactose, cholesterol-free, and trans-fat-free.

  8. When do I use Glucerna® as a meal replacement or as part of a meal?

    Glucerna® as a meal replacement works best if you aim to shed weight. When used to replace a typical local meal, Glucerna® can provide fewer calories while providing complete & balanced nutrition. If you aim to maintain weight but achieve better diabetes management, you may substitute a part of your meal with Glucerna®. Consult your dietitian for further advice.

  9. Can Glucerna® be used by people without diabetes?

    It is safe for someone without diabetes to consume Glucerna®. However, Abbott Nutrition has many other options, such as Ensure®, for people without diabetes to integrate into their meal plans. Glucerna® nutritional drinks are specially designed for people with diabetes. Glucerna® products are intended to be used under medical supervision to support the dietary management of diabetes.

  10. Why is Glucerna® a good meal/snack replacement?

    Glucerna® contains slow-release (low glycemic index) carbohydrates and other nutrients, including 35 nutrients, making it a great snack option for people trying to manage their blood glucose and meet their nutritional requirements.1,2 It is also quick to prepare and has the added benefit of convenience.

  11. Will Glucerna® help me manage my weight?

    With its convenient, reduced energy, vitamin, and mineral supplemental source of nutrition, Glucerna® can assist in managing your weight when used as part of a diabetes management plan.2,3,4,5 Your dietitian can help you set out a diet plan that can help you safely and effectively manage your weight.

Preparation, usage, and storage

  1. Where can I buy Glucerna®?

    Glucerna® is available in most drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. If you cannot find Glucerna® in your nearby drugstores and supermarkets, please call Abbott Customer Care Hotline at 8-995-1555 (Manila) or our toll-free number at 1-800-10-995-1555 to find a retailer near you.
  2. How do I prepare a Glucerna®?

    To prepare a single serving of Glucerna® (237 ml):
    1. Put 200 ml of cold water into a glass.
    2. Gradually add 5 leveled scoops (enclosed in tin) or 52.1 g of Glucerna® powder into the water while stirring.
    3. Mix until completely dissolved.

  3. How should I use Glucerna®?

    Glucerna® can be used in place of a skipped meal or to replace an unhealthy food option. For example:
    • Instead of skipping breakfast, grab a Glucerna® Ready-to-Drink on your way out the door
    • Swap that daily muffin you buy on the way to work with a Glucerna® treat in the morning
    • For lunch, you might have a salad plus a Glucerna®.
    • Have a glass of Glucerna® for an afternoon tea snack.

      For people with diabetes who need extra calories and protein (such as those with, or at risk of, malnutrition), Glucerna® can supplement their diet with additional nutrition to help meet nutrient requirements. Your dietitian can help you determine how to incorporate Glucerna® into your diabetes meal plan best.       
       
  4. Will I be hungry again soon after drinking a Glucerna®?

    The carbohydrates in Glucerna® are digested more slowly than common carbohydrate foods, keeping you feeling fuller, longer.2 Glucerna® has a low glycemic index (GI): Vanilla powder (mixed with water) has a GI of 35, Chocolate powder (mixed with water) has a GI of 29, Wheat powder (mixed with water) has a GI of 38, and the 200 ml Ready-to-Drink Glucerna® has a GI of 271

  5. How many servings of Glucerna® can I have in a day?

    Glucerna® products can be used daily. Individual needs depend on many factors, such as age, gender, level of activity, and health status. Consult a health care professional to discuss the amount of Glucerna® that is right for you. 

  6. How should Glucerna® nutritional drink be stored?

    If Glucerna® is consumed directly from the bottle or with a straw, use or refrigerate within 1 hour. If refrigerated, use the product within 24 hours. If opened and not consumed directly from the bottle or with a straw, cover, refrigerate and use within 48 hours. 

References

* American Diabetes Association, The Big Picture: Checking Your Blood Glucose https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/checking-your-blood-sugar 

1 Abbott Nutrition. Data on file. 

2 Devitt A et al. J Diabetes Res Clin Metab 2012; 1(20):2. 

3 Heymsfield SB et al. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord2003; 27(5):537-49. 

4 Tatti P., di Mauro P., Neri M., et al. Mediterr J Nutr Metab2010; 3:65-69. 

5 Look AHEAD Research Group. Arch Intern Med 2010; 170(17):1566-1575. 

6 Glycaemic Index Foundation. About Glycaemic Index. Available at: https://www.gisymbol.com/about-glycemic-index. Accessed 7 November 2018. 

7 Clements RS Jr, Darnell B. Myo-inositol content of common foods: development of a high-myo-inositol diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(9):1954‐1967. 

8 Henry et al. Nutrition and Diabetes ( 2021)1 1:2, A glycaemic index compendium of non-western foods https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-020-00145-w 

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Glucerna is food for special medical purposes. Use under medical supervision. The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Always consult your healthcare professional for medical advice.

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