
August 27, 1999
Meal Planning, Food and Diet
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Question from California, USA:
In many of the diabetic products, the label states that there is no sugar but right below it says sugar alcohol. What is sugar alcohol and how much can a person with diabetes have?
Answer:
From: DTeam Staff
A sugar alcohol is derived from a sugar. It is absorbed more slowly and affects the blood sugar more slowly. There are calories in a sugar alcohol — approximately 3 calories per gram, so eventually it will raise the blood sugar. Sometimes these sugar alcohols can cause cramping and diarrhea, so caution should be used when eating them — moderation is the key.
JM