Diabetes is characterized by an alteration of insulin secretory function. The main cell type affected is the beta cell, the only insulin producing cell in the body. Hyperglycemia, as occurring during diabetes, has a harmful effect on the function and development of beta cells. Consequently, chronic hyperglycemia will result in beta cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. In previous studies erythritol, a polyol bulk sweetener, has been shown to prevent loss of ex vivo endothelium dependent vasorelaxation in streptozotocin diabetic rats and protect endothelial cells during exposure to high concentrations of glucose in vitro1. Extending these studies, we investigated the potential of erythritol to protect beta cells against glucose induced cell death in two cell lines, the hamster beta cell line HIT‐T15 and the human beta cell line 1.1E7. Additionally, we investigated the insulin secretory function of the beta cells and determined the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and insulin secretion.Research financially supported by Cargill Inc.