Diabetes And SorbitolSorbitol is found naturally in some fruits and plants. It it something you need to be aware of for a diabetes management plan to run as smoothly as possible... Sorbitol is found naturally in a wide range of fruits and plants, and is used commercially in many products. It is a possible sugar substitute in dietetic foods, especially in sugar-free chewing gum and mints. Sorbitol is also used in over-the-counter medications such as liquid acetaminophen, vitamins, cough preparations and prescription elixirs. Sorbitol is also produced in our body. Sorbitol is a sugar that is poorly absorbed by the small intestine. When it's incompletely absorbed it passes into the colon where it can lead to diarrhea. It can also lead to abdominal bloating and gas. Research has shown that ingestion of 10 grams (4-5 sticks of chewing gum of sorbitol causes mild gastrointestinal distress such as gas and bloating. Ingestion of 20 grams of sorbitol causes severe symptoms such as cramps and diarrhea. Studies indicate that sorbitol intolerance is not uncommon. People who consume products containing sorbitol are at risk for experiencing sorbitol induced abdominal symptoms. Since diabetics frequently consume large amounts of sugar-free foods they are at high risk for getting sorbitol induced abdominal problems such as diarrhea. People who take medications in elixir form including pediatric, geriatric and patients with chronic disabilities are also at increased risk. There is also an enzyme in our body called aldose reductase. It converts glucose into a related sugar (sorbitol). This process, with no known purpose, occurs in everyone but it is accelerated in people with diabetes. In diabetics sorbitol can cause dangerous complications over time. Sorbitol can't exit cells so it accumulates and attracts water. This causes the cells to swell, which can result in nerve, eye, kidney and blood vessel damage, as well as development of cataracts. No nerve in the body is exempt. The damage usually appears as a tingling sensation and progresses to numbness. Some research recommends that diabetics should avoid foods with sorbitol.
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