Does Eating Chewing Gum Increase Sugar Levels? Separating Fact from Fiction

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 130 million American adults have diabetes or prediabetes, making blood sugar management a critical concern. This raises the question for many: does eating chewing gum increase sugar levels? The answer depends entirely on the type of gum you chew and how your body processes its ingredients.

Quick Summary

The effect of chewing gum on blood sugar depends on its sweeteners. Sugar-containing gum can cause a temporary rise in glucose, while sugar-free varieties typically have a negligible impact, especially those made with xylitol. Chewing can also trigger a mild insulin response, though this effect is generally minimal for most people.

Key Points

Sugar-free gum does not raise blood sugar: Most sugar-free gums use sweeteners like xylitol or sorbitol that have a negligible impact on glucose and insulin levels.
Regular gum can cause a temporary spike: Chewing gum that contains real sugar can cause a small, temporary rise in blood sugar, especially if consumed in larger quantities.
The act of chewing triggers a mild insulin response: Chewing and tasting something sweet can trigger the cephalic phase, leading to a minimal and short-lived insulin release, even with sugar-free gum.
Sugar-free gum is better for dental health: Unlike sugary gum, sugar-free options can actually benefit oral health by promoting saliva flow and inhibiting bacteria.
Diabetics should choose sugar-free gum: For those managing diabetes, sugar-free gum is a safe alternative to satisfy sweet cravings without disrupting blood glucose control.
Excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues: In large amounts, the sugar alcohols in sugar-free gum can lead to digestive discomfort like bloating or diarrhea.

Understanding the Impact of Chewing Gum on Blood Sugar

When you chew gum, your body reacts differently depending on whether the gum is sweetened with sugar or with sugar-free alternatives. For individuals managing diabetes, prediabetes, or even those just watching their carbohydrate intake, understanding this distinction is crucial for maintaining stable blood glucose levels. The following sections break down the specific effects of different gum types and the physiological processes involved.

Sugar-Containing Chewing Gum: The Clear Link to Blood Sugar Spikes

Regular chewing gum that contains sugar, such as sucrose, can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels. The sucrose is partially broken down by salivary enzymes in the mouth into glucose and fructose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine. While the amount of sugar in a single piece of gum is relatively small, consuming large quantities can cause a noticeable—albeit temporary—rise in blood sugar. For individuals with diabetes, this could be enough to cause a mild spike and should be considered part of their daily carbohydrate intake.

The Oral and Metabolic Process

Saliva stimulation: Chewing stimulates saliva production, which starts the breakdown of sugars.
Glucose absorption: The resulting glucose molecules can be absorbed, causing a temporary rise in blood sugar.
Insulin response: The body may release insulin in response, as it would with any sugary food, though this response is less significant than with a full meal.

Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: A Minimal Impact on Glucose

The vast majority of gum sold today is sugar-free and relies on sugar substitutes to provide sweetness without calories or significant blood sugar impact. These sweeteners fall into two main categories: sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.

Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols, including xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, are not fully digested or absorbed by the body. They provide fewer calories and have a minimal effect on blood glucose levels. Xylitol, in particular, is noted for its very low glycemic index (GI) score of 7, compared to regular sugar's GI of around 60.

Benefits of sugar-free gum with xylitol:

Does not cause blood sugar spikes: Due to minimal absorption, it has negligible effects on insulin and glucose levels.
Promotes oral health: It stimulates saliva production and starves harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities.
Can reduce cravings: It provides a satisfying oral sensation that can help curb the desire for sugary snacks.

Artificial Sweeteners

Sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are also commonly used and do not contain carbohydrates, meaning they do not raise blood sugar levels. However, some recent observational studies have suggested a potential link between certain artificial sweeteners and long-term metabolic health concerns like insulin resistance, though more research is needed. For short-term consumption from gum, the effect on blood sugar is negligible.

The “Cephalic Phase” Insulin Response: A Mild Trigger

Beyond the sweeteners themselves, the simple act of chewing and tasting something sweet can trigger a mild, short-lived insulin response known as the cephalic phase. This happens because your brain anticipates the arrival of food and signals the pancreas to prepare for incoming glucose.

While studies suggest this response exists, its practical effect on overall blood sugar control, especially in people without diabetes, is generally considered minimal and not a cause for concern. However, those with specific metabolic conditions or who are particularly sensitive should be aware of this physiological reaction.

Comparing Chewing Gum Types and Their Impact


Feature	Regular (Sugar) Gum	Sugar-Free (Xylitol/Sorbitol) Gum	Sugar-Free (Aspartame/Sucralose) Gum
Carbohydrate Content	High	Low (Sugar Alcohols)	Zero
Blood Sugar Impact	Can cause temporary spikes, especially with higher consumption.	Minimal effect; very low glycemic index.	Negligible effect; zero carbohydrates.
Insulin Response	Mild to moderate response triggered by sugar absorption.	Potentially a very mild cephalic phase response.	Potentially a mild cephalic phase response.
Caloric Value	Higher (typically ~10 calories per piece)	Lower (typically <5 calories per piece)	Lower (typically <5 calories per piece)
Oral Health	Bad; feeds cavity-causing bacteria.	Good; promotes saliva flow and fights bacteria.	Good; promotes saliva flow.
Gastrointestinal Effects	Generally none, unless large amounts are swallowed.	Can cause bloating or diarrhea if consumed in excess.	Generally none, though controversial in larger quantities.
Diabetic Suitability	Not recommended.	Considered suitable in moderation.	Considered suitable in moderation.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Gum

For most people, especially those without diabetes, the impact of chewing a piece of sugar-containing gum on blood sugar is likely minimal and short-lived. However, for individuals managing diabetes or blood sugar control, the distinction between sugar-free and sugar-containing gum is critical. Sugar-free gums, especially those sweetened with sugar alcohols like xylitol, are a far better choice, as they have a negligible effect on blood glucose and offer added dental benefits. While the mild cephalic insulin response from chewing is a real physiological process, it typically does not significantly affect blood sugar control. As with any dietary choice, moderation is key. When in doubt, always read the ingredients list and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding your diet and blood sugar management.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, does eating chewing gum increase sugar levels? The definitive answer is that it depends on the gum's composition. Sugar-sweetened gum can increase sugar levels slightly and temporarily, while sugar-free gum has a minimal, almost non-existent, effect. Opting for sugar-free varieties, particularly those with xylitol, is the safest and healthiest choice for managing blood sugar.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on sugar substitutes and managing blood sugar, you can visit the American Diabetes Association's official website.

American Diabetes Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Chewing sugar-free gum typically will not break a fast for most people, as it contains very few calories and has a negligible effect on insulin levels. However, stricter fasting protocols may prohibit any caloric intake, regardless of how small.

Yes, xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has a very low glycemic index and minimal effects on blood sugar or insulin levels, making it a safe sugar alternative for people with diabetes.

Yes, chewing gum, especially varieties containing sugar, can affect the results of a glucose test because the sugar can cause an insulin response. It is best to avoid all chewing gum before and during this test unless instructed otherwise by a doctor.

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose do not contain carbohydrates and therefore do not directly raise blood sugar levels. The body does not metabolize them for glucose, resulting in no blood sugar spike.

If you are chewing regular gum with sugar, the sugars can be absorbed and cause a temporary blood sugar spike. If you are chewing sugar-free gum and notice a spike, it may be due to the mild cephalic phase insulin response triggered by the sweet taste, though this effect is usually insignificant.

Yes, sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol are considered safe for diabetics to consume in moderation. However, consuming large quantities can cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.

Chewing gum that contains both sugar and caffeine could lead to a blood sugar spike, as caffeine can potentially cause temporary insulin resistance. For those with blood sugar concerns, it is best to opt for caffeine-free and sugar-free options.