Sugar free candies contain sugar substitutes, including Splenda, maltitol and polydextrose. These sweeteners are lower in calories than regular sugar and may help people with diabetes achieve their weight goals. These sugar substitutes also cause smaller increases in blood glucose levels compared to other sugars and carbohydrates. Sugar free candies may be appropriate for people with diabetes. Diabetics should seek advice from their doctors to determine how sugar free candies can fit into their diabetes management plan.
If you are shopping for sugar free candy for a diabetic you should read the nutritional information provided on each sugar free candy product or the diabetic food you decide on before you purchase. The calories, carbs, and sugar substitutes are to be considered when making a selection. Your meal plan should be adjusted to take into account these amounts in diabetic food. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.