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 Hyperglycemia | |||
| Ensure 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.