Does Glucerna Have a Lot of Sugar in It?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Glucerna, a brand of nutritional shakes and bars from Abbott, is specifically formulated for people managing diabetes, prediabetes, or those focused on blood sugar control. However, a key question remains for many: does Glucerna have a lot of sugar in it, or is its carb profile truly beneficial?. The short answer is that Glucerna products are designed with low-glycemic carbohydrates and a comparatively lower sugar content than many other nutritional drinks, making them a suitable option for diabetes management as part of a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Glucerna is a line of nutritional products formulated with low-glycemic carbohydrates to help minimize blood sugar spikes. While some varieties contain a small amount of sugar, many modern formulations have very low total sugar, making them suitable for blood sugar management.

Key Points

Low Sugar Formulation: Glucerna products contain a low amount of sugar, with some varieties having as little as 1 gram per serving, specifically designed for blood sugar management.
Slow-Release Carbs: The shakes feature a low-glycemic, slow-release carbohydrate blend, like CARBSTEADY, to minimize blood sugar spikes after consumption.
Varies by Product: The sugar content is not uniform across the entire product line; consumers should check the nutritional label for the specific Glucerna shake or bar they are buying.
Uses Artificial Sweeteners: To maintain low sugar levels, Glucerna includes artificial sweeteners, which provide taste without raising blood glucose.
Designed for Diabetes: Glucerna is formulated for people with diabetes or prediabetes, unlike general nutritional drinks such as Ensure, which has a higher sugar content.
Not a Replacement for Whole Foods: While beneficial for managing blood sugar, Glucerna is a supplement and should not replace a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Blend in Glucerna

Glucerna's effectiveness in blood sugar management is not solely about minimizing sugar, but also about the type of carbohydrates used. The brand's signature is its CARBSTEADY or slow-release carbohydrate blend, which includes ingredients that are digested more slowly to help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. This differs significantly from high-glycemic carbohydrates found in many regular snacks or meal replacements, which can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose.

For example, Glucerna uses a combination of ingredients like sucromalt, fructose, and certain fibers to achieve its low glycemic index (GI). Even with a high-GI component like maltodextrin, the overall formula is balanced to offset a rapid blood sugar increase. This careful formulation is what makes Glucerna a recommended choice for those needing to monitor their glucose levels.

Comparing Sugar Across Different Glucerna Products

Glucerna offers several product lines, and their sugar content varies. It's crucial for consumers to read the nutrition label of the specific product they are considering. The popular 'Glucerna 1g Total Sugars' shakes, as the name suggests, contain only 1 gram of total sugar per serving, with 0 grams of added sugar. Other older or different international formulations, such as the Original Shake, might have slightly higher sugar content, but it is still notably low compared to many other nutritional drinks.

Glucerna 1g Total Sugars: Contains only 1 gram of total sugar and is a top choice for strict sugar control.
Glucerna Hunger Smart: Varies by flavor but typically contains 6 grams of total sugar per serving.
Glucerna Original Shake: An 8-ounce bottle contains 4 grams of added sugar.
Glucerna Powder: Different formulations exist globally, so checking the specific product label is essential. For instance, some versions contain 2.37 grams of sugar per 100mL.

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners in Glucerna

To keep the sugar content low while maintaining a pleasant taste, Glucerna products utilize artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium. These non-nutritive sweeteners provide sweetness without impacting blood glucose levels. However, some studies have raised questions about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on insulin sensitivity and cravings, suggesting that they should be consumed in moderation and not as a complete replacement for a healthy, whole-food diet.

Comparison: Glucerna vs. Ensure

When evaluating Glucerna's sugar content, it's helpful to compare it to a similar product like Ensure, which is also made by Abbott but is designed for general nutritional support. The difference highlights Glucerna's specific focus on diabetes management.


Feature	Glucerna (Original Shake)	Ensure (Original)
Target Audience	Individuals with diabetes or blood sugar concerns	General nutritional support, malnutrition, or appetite loss
Total Sugars	Approx. 4g (depending on variety)	Approx. 10g (depending on variety)
Fiber Content	Higher (approx. 4g)	Lower (approx. 1g)
Carb Profile	Formulated with low-glycemic carbohydrates (CARBSTEADY)	Higher overall carbohydrate content

The table clearly illustrates that Glucerna contains less sugar and more fiber, making it the more appropriate choice for someone managing blood sugar. Ensure has a higher carbohydrate and sugar count, which could lead to more significant blood sugar spikes for a person with diabetes.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Does Glucerna have a lot of sugar in it? No, it does not. The brand is designed with low and controlled sugar content, particularly in its '1g Total Sugars' and other formulations that use slow-release carbohydrates to minimize blood sugar impact. For people with diabetes, Glucerna can be a helpful tool when used as part of a comprehensive management plan that also includes a balanced diet of whole foods, regular exercise, and medical supervision. However, it is not a cure for diabetes, and reliance on supplements should not replace nutrient-dense meals. Always consult a healthcare provider or dietitian to determine if Glucerna is right for your specific health needs. More information about the brand's commitment to diabetes care can be found on Abbott's nutrition site. [https://www.abbottnutrition.com/our-products/glucerna-original-shake]

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Glucerna is not entirely sugar-free, but it is formulated to have a very low sugar content compared to many other nutritional drinks. Some varieties, like Glucerna 1g Total Sugars, contain as little as 1 gram of total sugar per serving.

Glucerna uses a low-glycemic, slow-release carbohydrate blend, often called CARBSTEADY, that minimizes blood sugar spikes. It also includes artificial sweeteners to provide flavor without added sugar.

Yes, Glucerna is specifically formulated for people with diabetes and generally contains significantly less sugar and more fiber than Ensure. The slower-digesting carbs in Glucerna make it a better choice for managing blood sugar levels.

No, Glucerna is not designed to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Its low-glycemic formulation means the carbohydrates are released slowly and would not quickly restore blood sugar to a safe level. Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate low blood sugar treatment.

No, the amount of sugar can vary depending on the specific product line and flavor. For example, the Glucerna 1g Total Sugars shakes have less sugar than the Original Shakes. Always check the nutrition label for the exact sugar content.

Yes, people without diabetes can safely consume Glucerna. However, it is always best to consult a doctor or dietitian to ensure it aligns with your overall nutritional needs, as whole foods are typically the best option.

While some Glucerna products, like the Hunger Smart Meal Size shake, are designed to replace a meal, they are supplements and should be used as part of a balanced diet and diabetes management plan, preferably under medical supervision.