Ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles incorporated into the pore walls of porous carbon was used as a catalyst in glucose hydrogenation to produce sorbitol. In comparison with other catalysts, including commercial catalysts and catalysts prepared using other methods, the Ru-C nanostructured catalyst displayed higher catalytic activity and stability. These effects were associated with the enhanced contact between the Ru nanoparticles and carbon matrix, as well as the unblocked pores of the catalyst.