Glucerna is a supplement to be taken as a drink intended for people with diabetes. It was originally invented as a food substitute for patients fed with a nasogastric tube, in order to assimilate slow-release carbohydrates, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and aromas. It is not a low calorie food, but it can replace meals or snacks. This tutorial describes two ways to take Glucerna if you have diabetes, according to the official recommendations.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: As a Meal Supplement
Step 1. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine how to manage your diabetes
If you already have scheduled appointments, address the meal supplement issue first on your next visit.
Step 2. Set up a weight loss program
Glucerna is usually taken as a meal supplement to help lose weight rather than manage insulin levels. You shouldn't use it for this purpose without your doctor's advice and advice, because weight loss alters blood glucose levels.
Step 3. Get organized to monitor your insulin levels on a regular basis
You may need to check them more frequently when you first want to take Glucerna.
Step 4. Buy a pack of Glucerna supplement at the supermarket, drugstore or wholesalers
It's a good idea to try the various flavors available to find the one that suits you best.
Step 5. Don't take Glucerna to manage hypoglycemia
It is rich in carbohydrates that are digested slowly, while a product that is used for the treatment of insulin shock or hypoglycemia must contain carbohydrates that are rapidly released into the bloodstream. Ask your doctor which products you should always keep with you in the event of an insulin crisis.
Step 6. Plan to drink a can of Glucerna instead of a meal, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Don't start, at least in the early stages, replacing more than one meal a day.
Step 7. Replace one meal a day with a Glucerna drink
You can optionally choose to take the product every other day, if you notice that the insulin is not maintaining adequate levels.
Step 8. Opt to substitute a meal from time to time
If your insulin levels are well balanced, you may only be able to take this supplement occasionally; however, it would be wise to adopt a healthy eating routine instead of relying too much on these meal replacements.
Method 2 of 2: To Gain Weight
Step 1. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and need to gain weight
While Glucerna shouldn't be used primarily for this purpose, it is more readily recommended for people who have type 2 diabetes.
Step 2. Set up a weight gain plan with your doctor
Older people or those who cannot get enough calories from eating regular meals can take Glucerna as a useful calorie supplement.
Step 3. Purchase a pack of Glucerna
Choose a flavor of your liking (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry). If you find the flavor you love the most you will be more encouraged to take it every day to gain weight.
Step 4. Drink a Glucerna mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or evening after dinner
Don't take it as a meal replacement, but as an extra snack.
Step 5. Try drinking a Glucerna, in addition to meals, for a week
Check your weight regularly. Make sure you monitor your insulin levels carefully.
Step 6. Evaluate after a couple of weeks whether the product is actually helping to maintain or gain weight
Talk to your doctor if you don't see results within two weeks or a month.
Step 7. Take a jar of Glucerna with you when you travel, commute to work or go running errands
Set a timer at home or on your mobile to remind yourself to have a Glucerna smoothie as a snack, at the same time every day.
Warnings
- Do not take Glucerna if you are pregnant and if you have gestational diabetes. It is not approved in these situations and is not recommended as a meal supplement during pregnancy.
- Be aware that Glucerna is not recommended for weight loss in non-diabetic patients. In this case you should find other supplements, such as Ensure, that perform the same function. In any case, always consult your doctor before starting any weight loss program.
