Sorbitol is a polyol, or sugar alcohol, that is used as a low-calorie sweetener. Sugar alcohols in general contain about half the calories found in sugar and other carbohydrates; they may have less of an impact on blood sugar. However, blood sugar levels may vary after eating a food containing a sugar alcohol, such as sorbitol, so it is important to test your blood sugar before and after consumption.
Absorption
Sorbitol is absorbed slowly through the intestines, which means that blood sugar levels do not rise as quickly as with ingesting sugar. The insulin response is also less as a result. However, sorbitol still has an impact on blood sugar levels, so eating a large amount of food sweetened with sorbitol will increase blood sugar levels and the need for medication or insulin as a result, states the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Sugar-Free
Products sweetened with sorbitol can be labeled as sugar-free and as not promoting tooth decay, but they are not carbohydrate-free. The sugar-free label does not mean that a diabetic person can eat unlimited quantities of sugar-free food, especially when sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, are present. You still have to count the carbohydrates in sugar-free foods to control blood sugar levels.
Carbohydrate Counting
The American Diabetes Association recommends reading food labels to determine if sugar alcohols are present. You should subtract one-half the amount of sugar alcohols from the total number of carbohydrates. For example, if a cupcake label indicates that there are 66 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of sugar alcohols per serving, subtract 3 g for a total of 63 g of carbohydrates per serving of cupcake.
Considerations
Sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, can have a laxative effect when you consume more than 50 g. They can also produce uncomfortable and distressing intestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gas and pain, when you consume them in large quantities. Excessive diarrhea can eventually result in dehydration, a serious problem for diabetics. All of these negative symptoms may have an adverse effect on blood sugar level control.
