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August 30, 2002

Meal Planning, Food and Diet

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Question from Montclair, California, USA:

On several protein bars, candy bars, or meal replacement bars it is says that sugar alcohols have very little effect on blood glucose, but our diabetes teams says to count all carbs. What is the real story?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Sugar alcohols are another form of carbohydrate, even though they have a lower glycemic index and may assist in blood glucose control. I would still count them as part of the total carbohydrate. Be careful, sugar alcohols can cause an osmotic diarrhea effect when consumed in larger amounts. Look for the warning label on the individual food product.

JMS