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CONFIDENTIAL
Regulatory Affairs &
Nutrition Communication – AJ/Se
28 May 2008
Page 13 of 16
Isomaltulose is low insulinemic
Blood glucose concentrations are tightly regulated by a hormonal regulatory system in
order to facilitate constant glucose supply. A rise in blood glucose concentrations following
a meal (hyperglycemia) stimulates the release of the hormone insulin (and inhibits the
release of the antagonist glucagons and others). Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose
(and other nutrients) by the muscles and adipose tissue bringing blood glucose levels back
to normal.
The low rise in blood glucose concentrations after isomaltulose intake is associated with a
low insulin demand, respectively. The insulin response to isomaltulose ingestion, according
to the II value, was 30% of that of glucose, while the insulin response to sucrose was 64%
of that of glucose (Sydney University’s Glycaemic Research Service (SUGiRS) 2002).
Isomaltulose is not associated with a pronounced relative hypoglycemia
Typical blood glucose curves of sucrose show a pronounced phase of relative
hypoglycemia. Sucrose is rapidly digested and absorbed from the small intestine. The
corresponding rapid and high rise in blood glucose concentrations exerts a strong
stimulation on insulin release. While nutrient absorption from sucrose rapidly declines
shortly after, the effects of high insulin and low glucagon levels still remain causing blood
glucose levels to drop rapidly and below baseline into a state of relative hypoglycemia.
Isomaltulose, unlike sucrose, is not associated with a pronounced hypoglycaemic phase.
Isomaltulose provides glucose over a longer period of time (prolonged energy
supply)
After sucrose ingestion, blood glucose levels returned to near baseline levels (or even
below baseline) after 1 hour in most of the studies with healthy volunteers. In contrast,
blood glucose levels after isomaltulose remained elevated at a lower level but for a longer
period of time, typically lasting for most of the entire measurement of 90 minutes
(Macdonald and Daniel 1983) or 120 minutes (Kawai et al 1985, 1989; SUGiRS 2002). This
means, the phase during which glucose is supplied to the cells is longer after isomaltulose
than after sucrose. Glucose delivery time to the cells is prolonged by isomaltulose.
Glucose is ‘fuel’ for the body, it is the energy supply to the cells, e.g. in the brain and
muscles. An extended glucose supply means an extended energy supply in the form of
glucose to the cells.