Sugar alcohols and net carbs?

Need2Exerc1se
Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
edited November 11 in Food and Nutrition
I was checking out some Atkins bars at the store and they were labeled 2 net carbs. But when I checked the nutrition label and ingredients, they were actually pretty high in carbs, but were sweetened with alcohol sugars, which were then removed to get the very low ‘net carbs’ number.

I’ve always heard that ‘net carbs’ were total carbs minus fiber. What is the deal with sugar alcohols and Atkins? I tried a quick internet search but couldn’t find much on the subject from reputable sites.

Specifically, I am wondering if these bars, which are high in carbs but the carbs are mostly sugar alcohols, are a good choice or safe for diabetics (type 2).

**I know I can’t stop this from becoming another ‘processed food is bad’ fiasco, but I really don’t care that the bars are processed food.

Replies

  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Yeah, supposedly the sugar alcohol doesn't have an effect on your blood sugar. I tried it when I had gestational diabetes. However, it upsets my stomach so it was a no go for me. You might double check with your doctor or nutritionist fist though.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »
    Yeah, supposedly the sugar alcohol doesn't have an effect on your blood sugar. I tried it when I had gestational diabetes. However, it upsets my stomach so it was a no go for me. You might double check with your doctor or nutritionist fist though.

    It's for a realtive who has really let her diabetes get out of control. I saw them on sale and was going to pick up a couple of boxes for her, then saw the total carb count and wasn't sure whether she should eat them or not.

    I ended up not getting them, but was curious so tried to find more information on the subject. I tried the ADA site, but it didn't provide much information. It said that most of it wasn't absorbed so it didn't effect blood glucose like sugar, but then in the next paragraph said that as a rule you should go by total carbs on the nutrition label. Confusing.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    I believe net carbs removes everything not digestable (typically fiber), but as previously stated since the sugar alcohols don't affect blood sugar they are treated as "not digested". Or something. I don't worry about net carbs; too much math...
  • hippygirl325
    hippygirl325 Posts: 223 Member
    I'm on a LC diet and I have heard differing opinions on this. Some say that the sugar alcohols should be counted, but most believe that they don't stick around long enough in the system to raise blood sugar. Better than real sugar, I suppose, but honestly since cutting carbs way down I really don't crave anything sweet and if I ever do I make some low carb cheese cake with Splenda (or another sugar sub of choice). I don't fuss with the Atkins bars cuz I just see them as another processed gimmick that's not really so healthy anyway.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I'm not sure what is meant by 'processed gimmick', but as stated in the OP I don't care about the fact that they are processed. I'm just concerned whether they are diabetic friendly.
  • jkwolly
    jkwolly Posts: 3,049 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    I believe net carbs removes everything not digestable (typically fiber), but as previously stated since the sugar alcohols don't affect blood sugar they are treated as "not digested". Or something. I don't worry about net carbs; too much math...
    My thoughts too

    Did a quick search, hope this quick little article helps: http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/what-are-net-carbs.html

    Though, says nothing about TD2.
  • lizpitts
    lizpitts Posts: 67 Member
    I'm type 2 and my blood sugar is fine with the atkins bars. I'd suggest she test her blood sugar an hour after eating one and see if her glucose spikes.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    jkwolly wrote: »
    auddii wrote: »
    I believe net carbs removes everything not digestable (typically fiber), but as previously stated since the sugar alcohols don't affect blood sugar they are treated as "not digested". Or something. I don't worry about net carbs; too much math...
    My thoughts too

    Did a quick search, hope this quick little article helps: http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/what-are-net-carbs.html

    Though, says nothing about TD2.

    Thanks! That is helpful. It sounds like it might be okay, since erythritol is what was used. I think I'll ask her if her doctor has said anything about it, or suggest she ask if she's interested. Since my earlier search all my ads are now for Atkins products. If they are okay, I'll follow the link to that BOGO coupon for her.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    lizpitts wrote: »
    I'm type 2 and my blood sugar is fine with the atkins bars. I'd suggest she test her blood sugar an hour after eating one and see if her glucose spikes.

    Good to know! thanks.
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