Diabetes and Sugar

Sugar and carbohydrates (carbs) play an important role in diabetes management.  That’s why it’s important to understand food labels and nutrition facts, especially those related to sugar and carbohydrates, so you can make informed decisions about what you eat and choose products that are better for your health. 

When you find food items labeled as sugar-free, no sugar added, or containing sugar alcohols, what does this mean? 

Are these healthy alternatives to include in your diet? Can people with diabetes eat sugar-free foods? Does “sugar-free” mean “carb-free”? 

Let’s examine what these terms and labels really mean.

While all sugars are carbohydrates, not all carbohydrates are sugars — fiber and starches are also types of carbohydrates.¹

When you are trying to make healthy food choices, the amount of carbohydrates in your food matters.² Watching how much sugar you eat is important, and understanding the role of carbohydrates can help you make a more fully informed decision. 

Sugar-free and no-sugar-added foods can be part of a diabetes diet. Before deciding which food products are best for you, check the nutrition facts label first to understand the ingredients and total carb content of what you’re eating. 

When deciding what to eat, understanding food labels and nutrition facts can help you choose better options. Some food labels are deceptive, so it’s always a good idea to check the nutrition facts. For example, a package labeled as “sugar-free” might seem like a healthy option until you check the nutrition facts about its carbohydrates.

Check the Nutrition Facts

Most countries now require food labels to list important nutritional information such as energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbs, sugars, and salt.³ You can learn more about the calories, carbs, and sugar content by looking at the nutrition facts. This is helpful for picking foods that complement your diet.

Sugar free

Foods labeled 'sugar-free' aren’t necessarily free of carbohydrates or even low in carbs. While sugar-free options can be included in a diabetes diet, it’s important to also check their total carbohydrate content. If you’re deciding between standard food items and others that are labeled “sugar-free,” take a moment to read the nutrition facts label. 

Items that are labeled “sugar-free” and also have fewer carbs might be a better choice

No sugar added

Food labeled “no sugar added” does not necessarily make it “carb-free.” The label “no sugar added” means that there is no added sugar, but the food itself may contain its own natural sugars and carbs. Check the food label for total sugar and carbs before deciding if it’s the right choice for you.

Sugar alcohols

Sugar alcohols are often considered a diabetes-friendly ingredient to replace sugar.⁴ Many foods labeled as "sugar-free" or "no sugar added" may still contain sugar alcohols.¹

Some common sugar alcohols you may find in foods are:

• mannitol
• sorbitol
• xylitol

Sugar alcohols still have calories and carbs, and excessive consumption can result in side effects, so it’s important to read the nutrition facts label before you decide to use or consume foods containing sugar alcohols.⁴

Your diet should be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you do better with a slightly higher or lower carbohydrate content depends on factors such as your age, metabolism, physical activity, and personal food preferences.⁵ Checking nutrition labels and exploring the effects of sugar alcohols will help you make informed choices about your diet. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to create an effective treatment plan for managing your diabetes.

Sources:

1. Get to Know Carbs [Internet]. ADA. 1995-2025 [cited 2025 Jul 9]. Available from: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/get-to-know-car…
2. Diabetes Food Hub: What is the Diabetes Plate Method? [Internet]. ADA. 2025 Jan 15 [cited 2025 Jul 9]. Available from: https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/articles/what-is-the-diabetes-plate-met…
3. Nutrition C for FS and A. Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label [Internet]. FDA. 2023 Dec 6 [cited 2025 Jul 9]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-fact…
4. Msomi NZ, Erukainure OL, Islam MdS. Suitability of Sugar Alcohols as Antidiabetic Supplements: A Review. J Food Drug Anal. 2021;29(1):1-14.
5. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47(Supplement_1):S77-S110.