As the Studies Turn... Energy Bars, Insulin and Blood Sugar

Claims about low carbohydrate foods reducing blood insulin levels hit a snag after a recent study of energy bars that claim to be low, moderate and high carbohydrate. A synopsis of the study can be read at www.medscimonit.com/pub/vol_9/no_2/3230.pdf.

The basic conclusion was that while blood sugar didn't rise as much after a low-carbohydrate bar compared to higher carbohydrate foods in the study, blood insulin levels were not much affected. Therefore, the net result was more insulin in relation to the blood sugar (glucose), which was a worse overall response than eating white bread on an empty stomach.

Conclusion: eat low carbohydrate energy bars if you like them, but don't expect them to reduce your insulin levels.