Low Carb & Low Sugar Food Products

Many low-carbohydrate dieters and diabetics regularly include low-carbohydrate and low-sugar food products in their diets. With the growing popularity of low-carbohydrate diets and the increased incidence of Type 2 diabetes, these types of foods are gaining in popularity, and more manufacturers are recognizing the need for convenience foods that fit within low-carb and diabetic dietary guidelines. In moderation, these types of products may be a healthy part of a low-sugar and low-carbohydrate diet.

Type 2 Diabetes

Low-carbohydrate diets restrict sugars, starches, and other foods that cause spikes in insulin levels. They are helpful for people with Type 2 diabetes who need to control blood glucose levels, suggests MayoClinic.com. Carbohydrates and sugars break down into glucose in the body, causing blood sugar to rise. Carefully controlling sugar and carbohydrates via diet can help keep blood sugar in check.

Weight Loss

Lowering dietary carbohydrates and sugar may also be helpful for weight loss, according to "Good Calories, Bad Calories" author Gary Taubes, who explains that restricting carbohydrates minimizes the amount of insulin released into the blood stream. Since insulin is a fat storage hormone that blocks the body from using stored fat as fuel, eating a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet can help to minimize insulin and allow your body to burn fat.

Replacements for Sugar and Carbs

Low-carbohydrate and low-sugar products generally use other ingredients in place of sugars, starches and carbohydrates. Sugar alcohols like xylitol, mannitol and sorbitol are believed to have minimal impact on blood sugar and are present in many low-carb products and sugar-free candies marketed to diabetics. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium may also be used. Their impact on blood sugar is largely unknown, and artificial sweeteners may trigger carbohydrate cravings. Stevia is an herb with a sweet taste that has recently been added to some products as a sweetener. It has no impact on blood sugar and no known side effects.

Food Products

Sugar is ubiquitous in processed foods. Table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars add sweetness to processed foods and act as a preservative. In recent years, the market for low-carbohydrate and low-sugar foods has grown vastly. Many manufacturers like Atkins Nutritionals have bars, sugar, candy and shakes that are all low in carbohydrates and sugar. Dreamfields pasta is a low-carbohydrate brand of pasta. You can also find sugar-free ketchup from Heinz, low-carbohydrate maple syrup from Walden Farms, low-carbohydrate, sugar-free pasta sauce from Bella Vita, and low-carbohydrate, sugar-free baking mixes from multiple manufacturers like Atkins and Big Train. Many candy manufacturers market sugar-free candies of all types for diabetics, and other condiments, salad dressings and sauces all have low-carb, sugar-free versions available.

Considerations

Low-carbohydrate prepared foods may be high in artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors in order to impart flavors and textures that closely mimic the originals. Many of the food products are highly processed, and they quite often contain high levels of fat. Sugar alcohols don't impact blood sugar, but can cause gastric upset and diarrhea. While most of these products may work for an occasional sweet treat, they often lack essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals.