7. Sugar alcohols
Sugar alcohols are often considered a diabetes-friendly ingredient to replace sugar.4 Many foods that say "sugar free" or "no sugar added" might still have sugar alcohols.1
Some common sugar alcohols you may find in foods are:
- mannitol
- sorbitol
- xylitol
Sugar alcohols still have calories and carbs, and excessive consumption can result in side effects — so it’s important to read the nutrition facts label before you decide to use or consume foods containing sugar alcohols.4
Your diet should be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you do better with a slightly higher or lower carbohydrate content depends on factors like your age, metabolism, physical activity, and personal food preferences.5 Checking nutrition labels and exploring the effects of sugar alcohols will help you make informed choices about your diet. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to create an effective treatment plan for managing your diabetes.
Sources
1. Get to Know Carbs | ADA. Accessed November 23, 2023. https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/get-to-know-car…
2. http://www.intechnic.com I. What is the Diabetes Plate Method? Diabetes Food Hub. Published February 2020. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/articles/what-is-the-diabetes-plate-met…
3. Nutrition C for FS and A. Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label. FDA. Published online December 6, 2023. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-fact…
4. Msomi NZ, Erukainure OL, Islam MdS. Suitability of Sugar Alcohols as Antidiabetic Supplements: A Review. J Food Drug Anal. 2021;29(1):1-14. doi:10.38212/2224-6614.3107
5. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47(Supplement_1):S77-S110. doi:10.2337/dc24-S005Diabetes UK. Carbohydrates and diabetes: What you need to know. [Online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/carbohydrates-and-diabetes [Accessed 13th March 2024]
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