What's the deal with Sugar Alcohols?

I know that we are supposed to "watch out" for sugar alcohols, but I don't know how many grams per serving/per day we're allowed to consume. Anybody have the answer to this burning question?? Hope all is well and thanks, Karen

My Dr. said that I have to "watch" them because they do have an impact on people with diabetes. Others have problems in that they cause diarrhea if too many are consumed. So, it depends on which group you are in. As far as an actual number, I don't know. Cheryl

Thanks Cheryl. Being both a diabetic and recently having WLS, I thought that I needed to be careful with them, but didn't know how many I should consume. Thanks again, Karen

Hey Karen! Congratulations on your recent surgery and I'm glad to see you are on the other side and doing well. The thing about sugar alcohols is that some foods will say "sugar free" and are not free of sugar alcohols. In patients that have had recent surgeries, the sensitivity to sugar alcohols could be significant and it is definitely significant for diabetics like yourself. You have to read labels and in the beginning, I would really try to stay away from the sugar alcohols all together. I know I did. I didn't eat any sugar early out at all. I stuck with sugar-free, sugar-alcohol-free and just went with sugar substitutes - mainly Splenda. You could speak with your nutritionist, but I am sure they would advise you to refrain from sugar. It will reduce the possibility of dumping, or diarrhea, or increasing your blood sugar levels.