Post Time: 2025-07-29

The rise in popularity of sugar-free beverages has led to increased interest in sugar alcohols, also known as polyols. These compounds, often found on ingredient labels under names like xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and maltitol, provide sweetness with fewer calories than traditional sugars. But how do these ingredients impact blood sugar levels? It's a critical question for individuals managing diabetes or simply aiming for healthier choices. In essence, sugar alcohols are neither sugars nor alcohols; they are carbohydrates that the body does not fully absorb. This partial absorption plays a central role in their effect on glucose levels and is why they’re widely used in sugar-free foods and beverages. Understanding this mechanism is essential to accurately assess the impact of these beverages on our health.

Sugar Alcohol Type	Calories per Gram	Glycemic Impact	Common Use
Xylitol	2.4	Low	Chewing gum, candies, oral care products
Erythritol	0.24	Very Low	Beverages, baked goods, tabletop sweetener
Sorbitol	2.6	Moderate	Sugar-free candies, baked goods, some diet foods
Maltitol	2.1	Moderate to High	Chocolate, candies, ice cream

---

The Mechanism of Sugar Alcohols and Blood Glucose

The primary reason sugar alcohols are considered “sugar-free” is their unique metabolic pathway in the body. Unlike sucrose (table sugar) which is quickly digested and results in a sharp increase in blood sugar, polyols are partially absorbed in the small intestine. The remaining portion often passes to the large intestine where it may be fermented by gut bacteria.

• Reduced Absorption: This limited absorption is key to their lower caloric content and their minimal effect on blood glucose. As a result, many of the sugar alcohols have a glycemic index lower than that of regular sugars.
• Insulin Response: The reduced glucose absorption also leads to a lesser impact on insulin production. This is beneficial for people with insulin resistance or diabetes, who need to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Individual Variability: It's important to note that individual responses to sugar alcohols can vary. Factors such as dosage and the specific type of sugar alcohol influence how dramatically blood sugar is affected. Therefore, while some people may not notice a substantial change in glucose levels after consuming drinks sweetened with a particular sugar alcohol, others may experience a more noticeable increase, depending on the type and quantity.

This table illustrates the glycemic impact of common sweeteners:

Sweetener	Glycemic Index
Table Sugar	65
Xylitol	7
Erythritol	0
Sorbitol	9
Maltitol	35 - 52

---

Comparing Different Sugar Alcohols in Beverages: What to Look For

Not all sugar alcohols are created equal when it comes to impacting blood sugar levels. Here's a closer look at some common ones:

1. Erythritol: It is often lauded as the best option for minimal impact on glucose. Erythritol has an almost negligible effect on blood sugar because it's almost entirely absorbed in the small intestine, and then excreted in urine, and has a glycemic index of zero. Therefore, drinks containing erythritol often have the lowest glycemic response. This makes it a favorable choice for individuals with diabetes or anyone monitoring glucose levels.
2. Xylitol: Another popular choice with a relatively low glycemic index, it is more slowly absorbed compared to regular sugar. While generally well-tolerated, larger amounts can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, as it ferments in the gut. For those watching their blood sugar, xylitol still generally has less of an impact than other common sugar alcohols.
3. Sorbitol: Although lower in calories compared to sugar, it has a higher glycemic index compared to xylitol and erythritol. This means it can cause a more pronounced increase in blood glucose compared to other options. However, it's still a lower glycemic index than table sugar. Due to its slower rate of absorption, excessive intake can lead to digestive problems. Therefore, people monitoring their blood sugar should be mindful of products containing sorbitol.

4. Maltitol: This one needs closer attention. Maltitol has a higher glycemic index than other sugar alcohols and tends to cause a greater increase in blood glucose than erythritol or xylitol. Many products, such as sugar-free chocolate, contain maltitol, and this can result in a rise in blood sugar for some individuals. Therefore, those particularly sensitive to glucose fluctuations should take special caution.

   For example, one study in The Journal of Nutrition showed that a group of healthy adults consuming the same quantity of sugar alcohols experienced significantly different glucose responses, with erythritol causing the least increase and maltitol causing the most pronounced spike.

---

Practical Considerations: Choosing and Monitoring

For those concerned about their blood sugar, carefully examining the ingredient labels of sugar-free beverages is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

• Ingredient Order: In the USA, ingredients are listed in order of weight. The closer the sugar alcohol is to the beginning of the list, the more there is. The amount in one serving could also affect your blood sugar and could cause some gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Types of Sugar Alcohol: Prioritize beverages sweetened with erythritol, due to its minimal impact on blood sugar. If your body tolerates Xylitol, you may be able to enjoy this ingredient too. Be more mindful of products containing sorbitol or maltitol, especially if you are watching your glucose levels.
• Serving Sizes: Keep an eye on the serving size, as consuming multiple servings can result in larger quantities of polyols, which might have a more noticeable effect on blood glucose than one serving alone.
• Combined with Other Sweeteners: Many diet products include a combination of high intensity artificial sweeteners with the sugar alcohol to create a particular sweetness profile. Be sure to consider all sweeteners listed, and their effect on your glucose.
• Personal Monitoring: Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or simply using a glucometer before and after the consumption of a sugar-free beverage can offer direct insights on how a particular product impacts an individual’s blood glucose. This hands-on monitoring can be exceptionally valuable for tailoring dietary choices.
• Start Slow: If you're new to sugar alcohol, consider starting with a small serving of a beverage to gauge your body’s tolerance and reaction. This will allow you to identify any gastrointestinal discomforts, which are possible with a higher serving, and any changes to your blood sugar.

By making informed choices and paying attention to how different types of sugar alcohols and serving sizes impact glucose, consumers can better manage their blood sugar while enjoying sugar-free beverage alternatives.

Dogs can be trained to smell when someone with diabetes has low blood sugar. 28-year-old Samantha Stocking adopted Korey when he was just 2 months old, and pasta blood sugar she’s trained him to act as her service dog. Stocking has Type 1 diabetes and Korey alerts her whenever her blood sugar is too low by nudging her leg. He will then reportedly fetch her a bottle of juice. » Subscribe to NowThis: » Sign up for our newsletter KnowThis to get is blood sugar of 60 too low the biggest stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox: For more world news and viral videos, subscribe to NowThis News. #Diabetes #Dogs #ServiceAnimals #News #NowThis Connect with NowThis » Like us on Facebook: » Tweet us on Twitter: » Follow us on Instagram: » Find us on Snapchat Discover: NowThis is your premier news outlet providing you with all the videos you need to stay up to how can i get my blood sugar up date on all the latest in trending news. From entertainment to politics, to viral videos and breaking news stories, we’re delivering all you need to know straight to your social feeds. We live where you live. @nowthisnewsDog Alerts Owner With Diabetes When Blood Sugar Is Low [b4bc9a]