Xylitol: Both a Sweetener and Diabetic Treatment?

Xylitol can be a safe alternative to sugar, but might also be used to fight type 2 diabetes. A new study showed 5-weeks of xylitol supplementation improved food and fluid intake, body weight, blood sugar, serum fructosamine, lipid profile, serum insulin concentration and glucose tolerance. Alternatively, the xylitol supplement did not change liver weight, liver glycogen, and serum triglycerides in rats with diabetes. The researchers concluded, "The data of this study suggest that xylitol can be used not only as a sugar substitute but also as a supplement to antidiabetic food and other food products." Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, Sept. 2012