Do you recommend maltitol for diabetes patients?

Question: What is maltitol and do you recommend it for your patients?

Answer: This is one of the sugar alcohols. Others include sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol. You can find maltitol in candy, jams and other sugar-free foods. It doesn't provide quite as many calories or raise blood glucose as much as regular sugar does. Use caution though. Sugar alcohols can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea in large amounts. My preference is to have a small amount of my favorite chocolate rather than chocolates with sugar alcohols. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to account for the calories, saturated fat and other nutrients of concern.