Abbott launches nutrition products for diabetics

Responding to the growing diabetes and obesity epidemic in the United States, Abbott Laboratories is introducing Glucerna Hunger Smart nutrition shakes and bars for people with diabetes.

Diabetes affects more than 25 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Glucerna Hunger Smart products are specially designed for people with diabetes to use as a meal replacement or snack as a part of a weight management plan. The shakes feature a proprietary carbohydrate blend called CARB STEADY which includes both low glycemic and slowly-digestible carbohydrates designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes.

Glucerna Hunger Smart shakes have 180 calories, 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of sugars. They offer 25 vitamins and minerals and are available in Homemade Vanilla and Rich Chocolate flavors.

Glucerna Hunger Smart snack bars offer 140-150 calories and 10 grams of protein in addition to CARB STEADY; they are available in Chocolate Peanut Butter Crisp and Chocolate Chip Crisp flavors. Glucerna Hunger Smart products will complement Abbott’s existing line of Glucerna bars and shakes, which also are designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes.

“Abbott scientists have been designing and studying the benefits of nutrition formulas specifically for people with diabetes for several decades,” said Robert Miller, Ph.D., divisional vice president, Global R&D and Scientific Affairs, Abbott. “We’ve taken our expertise with slowly digested carbohydrates which are clinically shown to help minimize blood sugar spikes and have designed a new product to help manage hunger.

“Glucerna Hunger Smart helps to manage hunger and is designed to be an important part of a weight management plan for people with diabetes,” he added.

Glucerna products can be purchased nationwide at pharmacies, grocery stores, drugstores and mass merchandisers, or online at www.AbbottStore.com.