{"title":"Best Protein Powder for Diabetics","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the best protein powder for people with diabetes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best protein powder for diabetes has plenty of protein, little or no sugar and few carbs, with a sweetener you're comfortable with. Protein itself has very little effect on blood sugar. In one study of people with type 2 diabetes, eating 50g of protein led to only about 2g of glucose showing up in the blood.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e The bigger risks are what gets added: sugar, maltodextrin, fruit juice powders and large amounts of carbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck the label for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSugar.\u003c\/strong\u003e 0g to 2g of added sugar. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping added sugar to a minimum.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal carbs.\u003c\/strong\u003e Under about 10g per serving keeps a plain shake low in carbs. Remember to count anything you blend in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaltodextrin and other starches.\u003c\/strong\u003e These are carbs that raise blood sugar quickly and often appear in cheaper powders and meal-replacement shakes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSweetener.\u003c\/strong\u003e No-calorie sweeteners are an option for many people with diabetes, used in moderation.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein per serving.\u003c\/strong\u003e 20g or more gives you a filling, useful dose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's Optimal Plant Protein, straight from the label:\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-9\"\u003e9\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePer serving (36g)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOptimal Plant Protein\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtein\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTotal carbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5g, with 1g of fiber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSugar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSweetened with\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrganic monk fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIngredients\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla, organic monk fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan people with diabetes drink protein shakes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, most people with diabetes can drink protein shakes, as long as they read the label. A shake made with a low-sugar powder and water or unsweetened milk adds protein with very few carbs. A ready-to-drink shake or meal replacement can be a different story, since some carry as much sugar as a soda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you use insulin or medications that can cause low blood sugar, talk with your care team about how a shake fits your plan. The ADA notes that meals high in protein and fat can change how much insulin some people need.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes protein raise blood sugar?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot much. Your body can turn some protein into glucose, but it happens slowly and in small amounts. That's why the 50g of protein in the study above produced only about 2g of glucose in the blood.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtein can also blunt the rise in blood sugar after a carb-containing meal. A 2023 review pooled 16 trials of whey protein taken before a meal, with 244 people in total. Peak blood sugar after the meal was about 1.4 mmol\/L, or about 25 mg\/dL, lower than with water, and the effect was stronger in people with type 2 diabetes.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-4\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e In a small study of 15 people with type 2 diabetes, 50g of whey before breakfast lowered blood sugar after the meal by about 28%.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-3\"\u003e3\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant protein may do something similar. In a trial of 31 healthy adults, taking 25g of pea protein with a sugary drink lowered the blood sugar response by 31%, and 50g lowered it by 53%. That study didn't include people with diabetes, and some of its authors work for a pea protein maker, so treat it as an early signal.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-5\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat protein shakes are safe for diabetics?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shake is a good fit if it's low in sugar, low in carbs and high in protein. Simple powders mixed at home give you the most control. Watch out for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMass gainers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Built to add calories, often with 50g or more of carbs per serving.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeal-replacement shakes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some are balanced, others are mostly sugar and starch. Read the carbs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmoothie shop add-ins.\u003c\/strong\u003e Juice, sherbet, honey and sweetened yogurt add up quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix Optimal with water or unsweetened almond milk for a shake with 5g of carbs from the powder.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-9\"\u003e9\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e If you add fruit, count it toward your carbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the healthiest protein for a diabetic?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ADA doesn't name one best protein. It recommends an eating pattern built around vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, nuts and lean proteins, tailored to the person.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Plant proteins have some extra appeal. In a study of more than 300,000 people, plant-based eating patterns were linked to a 23% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-6\"\u003e6\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e That kind of study shows a link, not proof of cause, but it fits with other research on beans, nuts and whole grains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood options include fish, chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, tempeh, beans and lentils, plus a protein powder on busy days. Pea and brown rice protein, like the protein in Optimal, are plant proteins without the carbs that come with whole beans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs whey or plant protein better for diabetes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhey has the most research behind it for lowering blood sugar after meals, mostly in studies where people drank it before eating.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-4\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Pea protein has early, promising results but far fewer studies.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-5\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Over the long term, eating patterns rich in plant foods are linked to lower diabetes risk.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-6\"\u003e6\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn practice, the best choice is a low-sugar powder you tolerate and enjoy. If dairy upsets your stomach, a plant protein like Optimal is the easier daily habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much protein should a diabetic eat?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most adults with diabetes and healthy kidneys, there's no evidence that changing protein from usual amounts improves blood sugar. The ADA describes typical intake as around 0.8g to 1.5g per kilogram a day, or 15% to 20% of calories, and says plans should be individualized.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKidney disease is the big exception. For people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease who aren't on dialysis, guidelines recommend about 0.8g of protein per kilogram a day.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-7\"\u003e7\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e If you have kidney disease, check with your doctor before adding a protein supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs monk fruit safe for diabetics?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonk fruit extract is a no-calorie sweetener made from a small melon called luo han guo. Its sweetness comes from compounds called mogrosides, not sugar, which is why Optimal can taste sweet with 0g of sugar.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-9\"\u003e9\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e The FDA has accepted monk fruit extract as generally recognized as safe.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-11\"\u003e11\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ADA says no-calorie sweeteners can be an acceptable substitute for sugar when used in moderation.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e The World Health Organization advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control and suggests reducing sweetness overall.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-8\"\u003e8\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e A practical middle ground: use lightly sweetened foods and drinks, and don't use sweeteners as a reason to eat more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich sweeteners should diabetics watch in protein powder?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar and honey.\u003c\/strong\u003e All count as added sugar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaltodextrin and dextrose.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-digesting carbs that can raise blood sugar sharply.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSugar alcohols.\u003c\/strong\u003e They have less effect on blood sugar than sugar, but some, like maltitol, still raise it, and many cause gas or bloating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSucralose and stevia.\u003c\/strong\u003e No-calorie options. Some people like them, others dislike the aftertaste. See \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/why-protein-powder-without-stevia-is-important-for-your-health\"\u003eis stevia in protein powder bad\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAre meal replacement shakes good for diabetics?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder medical supervision, they can be powerful. In the DiRECT trial, adults with type 2 diabetes followed a low-calorie formula diet followed by gradual food reintroduction, and 46% were in remission at one year.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-12\"\u003e12\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e That was a structured program with clinical support, not a shake added to a normal diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEveryday meal-replacement shakes vary a lot. Some are balanced, and some are high in sugar and starch. A protein powder like Optimal isn't a complete meal, but you can build one by blending it with milk, berries and a spoonful of nut butter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen should a diabetic drink a protein shake?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people find a shake works well at breakfast, when it replaces a high-carb meal like cereal or pastries. Because protein before a meal can lower the post-meal glucose rise, some people also drink a small shake before a carb-heavy meal.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-4\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e After exercise is another good time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne important note: protein shouldn't be used to treat low blood sugar. The ADA advises against using carbohydrate sources that are high in protein to treat or prevent lows, because protein can raise insulin without raising glucose much.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Use fast-acting glucose instead, as your care team recommends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat about type 1 diabetes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople with type 1 diabetes can use protein powder too. A plain shake with water has few carbs, but larger amounts of protein and fat can raise blood sugar later, sometimes hours after eating. The ADA notes that high-protein, high-fat meals may need insulin adjustments.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Watch your glucose after a new shake routine, and ask your care team how to dose for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDo protein shakes help with type 2 diabetes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA protein shake doesn't treat diabetes. It can make it easier to build a lower-carb, higher-protein breakfast or snack, stay full and keep muscle as you get older or lose weight. If you're trying to lose weight, see our page on the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-weight-loss\"\u003ebest protein powder for weight loss\u003c\/a\u003e. If you take a GLP-1 medication, see the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-glp-1\"\u003ebest protein powder for GLP-1\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLow-carb ways to use protein powder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimple shake.\u003c\/strong\u003e One serving (36g) of Optimal with 10oz to 12oz of water or unsweetened almond milk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBerry shake.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add half a cup of raspberries or strawberries, which are lower in sugar than most fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein coffee.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend a serving into cold brew. See the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-coffee\"\u003ebest protein powder for coffee\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein yogurt bowl.\u003c\/strong\u003e Stir half a serving into plain Greek yogurt and top with nuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more detail, read our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/are-protein-powders-good-for-diabetics\"\u003eprotein powder for diabetics\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy we make Optimal this way\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0g of sugar.\u003c\/strong\u003e 5g of carbs and 26g of protein per serving (36g).\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-9\"\u003e9\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonk fruit only.\u003c\/strong\u003e No stevia, erythritol, sucralose or other artificial sweeteners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour ingredients.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla and organic monk fruit. No maltodextrin, gums or fillers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTested.\u003c\/strong\u003e We publish our heavy metal results from Light Labs, an independent lab.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertified.\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis page is general information, not medical advice. Protein powders are dietary supplements, and the FDA doesn't approve them before they're sold.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-10\"\u003e10\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Check with your doctor or diabetes educator before making changes, especially if you use insulin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-1\"\u003eAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 5. Facilitating positive health behaviors and well-being to improve health outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes, 2026. Diabetes Care, 2026.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-2\"\u003eGannon MC, Nuttall JA, et al. Effect of protein ingestion on the glucose appearance rate in people with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2001.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-3\"\u003eJakubowicz D, Froy O, et al. Incretin, insulinotropic and glucose-lowering effects of whey protein pre-load in type 2 diabetes: a randomised clinical trial. Diabetologia, 2014.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-4\"\u003eSmedegaard S, et al. Whey protein premeal lowers postprandial glucose concentrations in adults compared with water: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2023.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-5\"\u003eThondre PS, et al. Co-ingestion of pea protein and a high-carbohydrate beverage influences the glycaemic, insulinaemic, GIP and GLP-1 responses: preliminary results of a randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 2021.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-6\"\u003eQian F, Liu G, et al. Association between plant-based dietary patterns and risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2019.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-7\"\u003eKidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Diabetes Work Group. KDIGO 2020 clinical practice guideline for diabetes management in chronic kidney disease. Kidney International, 2020.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-8\"\u003eWorld Health Organization. Use of non-sugar sweeteners: WHO guideline. 2023.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-9\"\u003efitppl. Optimal Plant Protein Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-10\"\u003eU.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers on dietary supplements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-11\"\u003eU.S. Food and Drug Administration. GRAS notices for Siraitia grosvenorii (luo han guo) fruit extract.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-12\"\u003eLean MEJ, et al. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial. The Lancet, 2018.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"optimal-organic-plant-protein-powder","title":"Optimal Plant Protein","description":"\u003cp\u003eOptimal Plant Protein is organic plant protein powder made with just four ingredients: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla and organic monk fruit. Each 36g serving has 26g of protein, 150 calories and 0g of sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26g of protein per serving from organic pea and brown rice protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSweetened only with organic monk fruit, with no stevia, erythritol or added sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo gums, natural flavors, dairy or soy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy metal results from the independent lab Light Labs published on the product page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVanilla flavor, 30 servings per bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"fitppl","offers":[{"title":"Vanilla \/ 30 Serving Bag","offer_id":49098912825625,"sku":"OPP-V-30BAG","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/1757\/5193\/files\/updated-optimal-bag.jpg?v=1788114381"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/1757\/5193\/collections\/Updated-optimal-2_31269307-1c9e-4044-a6e4-566dcf08575c.jpg?v=1794600105","url":"https:\/\/fitppl.com\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-diabetics.oembed","provider":"fitppl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}