The Science of Diabetic Snack Bars: A Review
Article Figures & Tables
Figures
- Figure 1.
Incidence of hypoglycemic events in the cornstarch (CS) group compared to the standard snack (SS) group. Adapted from Kaufman et al.22
Tables
- Table 1.
Comparison of Diabetic Snack Bars*††
Bars to Prevent Hypoglycemia Extend Bar** (Clinical Products, Ltd.) Nite Bite** Timed-Release Glucose Bar (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) Gluc-O-Bar** (APIC, USA, Inc.) Claims on product package Clinically proven to reduce episodes of low blood glucose for up to 9 h without causing high blood glucose Helps prevent nighttime hypoglycemia; only glucose bar proven to be beneficial before exercise Nutritional bar that provides sustained glucose release over a prolonged interval without sudden peaks Description/use from product package For use before bedtime, exercise, or whenever low blood glucose is likely to occur Ideal before bed or exercise to help maintain blood glucose levels Designed for use day or night as part of the dietary management of abnormal blood glucose levels kcal 160 100 130 Carbohydrate (g) 30 15 21 UCS (g) 5 5 5 Fiber (g) 0 0 0 Sugars (g) 10 (fructose) 10 (sucrose) 1 Sugar alcohol (g) 5 0 11 Protein (g) 2.5 3 7 Fat (g) 2.5 3.5 2.5 Exchanges† 2 starch 1 starch, 0.5 fat 1.5 starch
Bars to Lessen HyperglycemiaEnsure Glucerna (Ross Products Division) Choice DM** (Mead Johnson Nutritionals) Choice DM** Crispy Bars* (Mead Johnson Nutritionals) Claims on product package Clinically shown to lower blood glucose response compared to an ordinary snack bar Clinically shown to cause less rise in blood glucose levels compared to snack bars tested Designed to minimize postprandial peaks in blood glucose levels Description/use from product package Complete, balanced nutrition specifically designed for people with diabetes. For use as a snack or occasional meal replacement Nutritionally complete bars designed to help maintain blood glucose control; ideal as a snack between meals, after exercise, before bedtime, or anytime “Pick-me-up” snacks for people with diabetes designed to help manage blood glucose levels kcal 140 140 120 Carbohydrate (g) 24 19 21 Resistant starches (g) 4.8 3.2 1 Fiber (g) 4 3 1 Sugars (g) 7 9 5 Sugar alcohol (g) 5 6 7 Protein (g) 6 6 4 Fat (g) 4 4.5 2.5 Exchanges† 1.5 starch, 0.5 fat 1 starch, 1 fat 1.5 starch *Nutrient data may vary slightly based on flavor.
**Peanut butter flavor used for comparison between brands; other flavors available.
†Exchange values as provided on product label.
††All bars contain between 60 and 110 mg Na and 50 and 105 mg K per serving.
In this Issue
January 2001, 19(1)
