On the Medical Surgical floor where I’ve worked at as an RN for over 4 years now, we frequently serve nutritional supplements to many of our patients who have poor appetites or have specialized dietary needs. We often use Ensure or Boost, but these forms of liquid nutrition aren’t a very good choice for our patients with diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance as these supplements can often lead to hyperglycemia, or increased blood sugar levels. So for those that have to closely monitor their carbohydrate intake to stay as healthy as possible, we serve Glucerna Shakes as prescribed by our physicians.


~~~The Product~~~

Glucerna Shakes is a specialized form nutrition with added fiber designed for people with diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance. Used under the supervision of a physician, this complete source of liquid nutrition is a reduced carbohydrate, modified fat, fiber containing food that can be used both as a supplement or as a sole source of calories and dietary intake for certain individuals. To help make maintaining healthy blood sugar levels a bit easier on a day-to-day basis, Glucerna Shakes contain a balance of calories, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that most diabetics need as they control their disease. The simple carbohydrates (fructose) work together to release glucose into the bloodstream at a slower rate than other standard sources of liquid nutritional supplements, such as regular Ensure. Used alone in patients on tube feedings, or for oral consumption by diabetics who need an occasional meal supplement or replacement, purchasing Glucerna Shakes with medical guidance is a wise nutritional choice.


~~~Price~~~

While researching the Ensure website, makers of Glucerna Shakes, I found that a case of 24 eight ounce cans of Glucerna in 3 different flavors may be purchased for $40.00 (including standard shipping) and delivered right to your door if desired. This figure breaks down to $1.67 for each 8 ounce (237 ml) can. Using Ensure Home Delivery is a convenient way to have these supplemental nutritional drinks specially designed for those with abnormal glucose tolerance delivered right to your address without having to drive to the store and purchase them instead. Although I haven't checked myself to be certain of this, I have a feeling that Glucerna Shakes can also be purchased at most drug stores/pharmacies for a bit less than the online price. Check out a few stores in your area to find the best deal.


~~~Available Flavors~~~

Glucerna Shakes are available in three delicious, creamy artificial flavors:

Vanilla
Chocolate
Butter Pecan

Lactose free, gluten free, kosher, and appropriate for those on a low carbohydrate diet, Glucerna Shakes with their improved formulation are usually an acquired taste for most users. Experiment to find your favorite flavor. Sweetened with fructose, the simple sugar that gives fruit its sweet taste, this form of liquid nutrition can be an important dietary supplement for those diagnosed with both Type I and Type II Diabetes as similar products containing more carbohydrates typically raise the blood sugar to an inappropriate level. So ask your doctor today if Glucerna Shakes are right for you.


~~~Directions for Use~~~

For best taste, refrigerate Glucerna Shakes initially to enhance flavor and then shake well before consuming. Cover after opening and use within 48 hours. Use unopened product before the expiration date shown on the bottom of the can. With use under medical supervision, Glucerna Shakes are a great tasting meal replacement or supplement specially designed for people with diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance. This low carbohydrate drink enhances blood sugar control for patients prone to hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose levels). Consult a physician for use with patients on tube feedings.


~~~Nutrition Facts~~~

**1 serving==8 ounces==237 ml

Calories...........................237
Total Fat.........................12.9g
Sodium.........................220mg
Potassium....................370mg
Carbohydrates...............22.8g
Dietary Fiber (Soy)............3.4g
Protein...........................9.9g

***Vitamin A 1500 IU***Vitamin C 50 mg***Calcium 170 mg***Iron 3.0 mg***Vitamin D 67 IU***Vitamin E 7.5 IU***Vitamin K 14 mcg***Thiamin 0.38 mg***Riboflavin 0.43 mg***Niacin 5 mg***Choline 100 mg***Vitamin B6 0.5 mg***Folate 100 mcg***Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg***Biotin 75 mcg***Pantothenic Acid 2.5 mg***Chloride 340 mg***Phosphorus 170 mg***Iodine 25 mcg***Magnesium 67 mg***Zinc 3.8 mcg***Selenium 12 mcg***Copper 0.34 mg***Manganese 0.84 mg***Chromium 20 mcg***Molybdenum 25 mcg***

**For adults and children 4 years of age and older.


~~~Ingredients~~~

Vanilla: -D Water, maltodextrin (corn), sodium and calcium caseinates, maltitol, high-oleic safflower oil, fructose, soy protein isolate, soy fiber, fructooligosaccharides, canola oil, calcium phosphate tribasic, magnesium chloride, natural and artificial flavor, soy lecithin, sodium citrate, magnesium phosphate dibasic, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate dibasic, ascorbic acid, choline chloride, alpha-tocopheryl acetate, gellan gum, acesulfame potassium, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, cupric sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin A palmitate, thiamine chloride hydrochloride, riboflavin, chromium chloride, beta-carotene, folic acid, biotin, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, sodium selenate, phylloquinone, cyanocobalamin and vitamin D3.

**Chocolate flavor contains 3 mg caffeine per 8-fl-oz serving.


Overall Recommendation

Diabetic seniors especially may benefit from the nutritional benefits that drinking Glucerna Shakes provides on a regular basis as recommended by a health care professional. Consumed as an occasional meal replacement or as an in-between-meals supplement, especially when lack of appetite or skipped meals is a concern, rest a little bit easier knowing that each 8 ounce can of Glucerna is packed full of the protein, balanced carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that those having trouble controlling their blood sugar levels need every day to function at his or her greatest capacity. So discuss the benefits of drinking Glucerna with your doctor today. Here's to your health!


For more information on Glucerna Shakes and other dietary supplements, check out their website online at:

www.ensure.com

To order Glucerna, call:
1-800-986-8502

Or to order by mail:

Ensure Home Delivery
PO Box 29139
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201

ROSS PRODUCTS DIVISION
ABBOTT LABORATORIES
Columbus, OH 43215-1724







Recommended: Yes