DIABETES and TREHALOSE

In very simple terms Trehalose is only digested in the small intestine by the enzyme trehalase. That's important to know because it takes food several hours to get there and that delays the absorption of glucose into the blood stream hence avoiding glucose spikes and the resulting insulin spikes. The benefits to health are only just becoming apparent.

Trehalose, which is composed of two glucose molecules, is metabolized in an identical manner as other disaccharides (sucrose, maltose and lactose). After ingestion, trehalose is enzymatically broken down in the small intestine into two glucose molecules, which are then absorbed into the body by an active transport mechanism. Glucose is then utilized in the natural metabolic processes of life. Now trehalose has been shown to be a suitable energy source when consumed before,during and after exercise. The properties of trehalose, which make it particularly suited for products are:
-does not promote excessive insulin release
-lower peak glucose and more sustained energy release
-empties quickly from the stomach
-low caries-promoting properties
-non laxative

Results in Lower blood glucose

'In glucose tolerance trials there is a lower blood glucose peak, and a more sustained release of energy compared with glucose'

The pattern of glucose release is different for Trehalose compared to glucose or maltose. In a number of studies, carried out with various concentration of trehalose ranging from 5-20% sugar, lower peak blood glucose is seen when compared to glucose and maltose in glucose tolerance tests.

In addition, the release of glucose has been shown to be sustained for a longer period when compared to either glucose or maltose.

The benefit of this more sustained release of energy may be in either physical performance or mental alertness.