Honey Beneficial for People with Type 2 Diabetes
Eating honey
can cause your blood sugar to rise if you have type 2 diabetes. However, it
might be healthier than table sugar.
 |
| A graphic from "Wellness Bites" claims honey is "beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes" and markets it as a natural sweetener with a low glycemic index. Honey does have a somewhat lower glycemic index than table sugar, but it is still a concentrated source of carbohydrates and fructose, and the evidence for it being beneficial in type 2 diabetes is limited and mixed. If you're managing blood sugar, it's worth checking with a clinician or dietitian before treating honey as a free pass — this graphic's framing oversimplifies the science. |
Honey Benefits
Some people use honey as a sweetener when baking or add it to their tea and coffee. However, is honey safe for diabetics? In short, the answer is yes, but only in specific circumstances.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes must keep an eye on and control their consumption of sugar and carbohydrates. Any sweetener can cause blood sugar to rise. However, you might not need to completely abstain from sweets if your blood sugar is under control.
In addition to being safe, honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help mitigate the effects of diabetes when consumed in moderation.
What is Honey?
Honeybees and other insects, such as certain bumblebees and wasps, produce honey, which is a thick, golden liquid.
It originates from the nectar present in flowers, which bees gather and hold in their stomachs until they get back to the hive.
Water, sucrose (sugar), and other ingredients make up nectar. It is about 20% water and 80% carbohydrates. By repeatedly consuming and regurgitating the nectar, bees produce honey, and this process eliminates water.
In the winter, when food is harder to find, bees store the honey in honeycombs and use it as a source of energy. Despite being a natural sweetener, honey has a somewhat sweeter flavor than table sugar.
One tablespoon of raw honey has roughly 61 calories and 16.5 grams of carbs, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Numerous vitamins and minerals are also included in honey, including:
·
Iron
·
Vitamin C
·
Folate
·
Magnesium
·
Potassium
·
Calcium
Additionally, it slows and protects against cell damage due to its antioxidant properties.
 |
| Sunlight catches the amber glow of fresh honey as a honeybee drifts past purple blossoms — a quiet reminder of the slow, patient work behind every jar. |
Is It Possible to Replace Sugar with Honey?
In most recipes, honey can be substituted for sugar. However, it's not a one-to-one replacement because honey is sweeter than sugar. People frequently use 1/2 to 2/3 cup of honey instead of 1 cup of sugar while baking.
Sweeteners like sugar and honey should be used sparingly by patients with type
2 diabetes. Both may be involved in blood sugar increases, which could accelerate
the development of type 2 diabetes.
Honey can be
Processed or Left Raw
Unfiltered honey, sometimes referred to as raw honey, is taken from a beehive and strained to get rid of contaminants.
Processed honey, on the other hand, is filtered to eliminate yeast and increase its shelf life; it is additionally pasteurized or treated at high heat.
Although processed honey is smoother, some of its minerals and antioxidants are lost during filtration and pasteurization processes.
Depending on where the nectar comes from or what the bees eat, there are over 300 different types of honey.
For instance, avocado honey is extracted from avocado blossoms, whereas blueberry honey is extracted from the flowers of the blueberry bush.
The honey's color and flavor are dependent on the nectar source.
What Effect does Honey have on Blood Sugar Levels?
Honey naturally raises blood sugar because it is both a sugar and a carbohydrate. Honey should be used sparingly, just like any other sweetener.
Is Type 2 Diabetes
Preventable with Honey?
There is no solid evidence that honey can prevent diabetes, although it may raise insulin levels and potentially reduce inflammation.
Does Eating Honey Put You at Risk if You Have Diabetes?
Honey consumption may be risky, particularly if you have diabetes. These could consist of:
· Blood Sugar Spikes: Until your diabetes is well controlled, doctors may advise you to stay away from honey and other sweeteners due to their potential to impact blood sugar.
· Some Types Include Extra Sugar: If you buy processed honey at the supermarket, it can also have syrup or sugar. Your blood sugar may be affected differently by the extra sweets.
· Infections: Because raw honey is not pasteurized, it should not be consumed by pregnant women or people with weak immune systems. When someone has a weakened immune system, eating raw, unprocessed honey can lead to serious illness.
Remember that sugar is not as sweet as honey. You only need a small amount if you use honey instead of sugar.
Moderate consumption of honey is advised. Before using it as an additional sweetener, see a healthcare provider.
If you have well-controlled diabetes and would want to incorporate honey into
your diet, if you are not pregnant or immunocompromised, you might wish to
choose pure, organic, or raw natural honey. Since all-natural honey doesn't
include added sugar, these types might be safer for diabetics.
 |
| Honey sits somewhere between sugar and a health food — it does have a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar and contains antioxidants, but it is still largely glucose and fructose and will raise blood sugar. Claims like these are marketing, not medicine, so talk to your doctor before making it a regular part of a diabetes diet. |
If you have diabetes, there might be some advantages to consuming honey or replacing it for sugar. These could consist of:
· Antioxidants: Eating a diet high in antioxidants can help prevent or lessen cell damage. Doctors and dietitians, however, usually advise obtaining antioxidants from other foods that are higher in nutrients and lower in sugar, such as fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant advantages of honey have been investigated by researchers in relation to wound healing.
· Anti-inflammatory Qualities: Honey's anti-inflammatory properties may decrease the difficulties associated with diabetes. Insulin resistance, which occurs when the body does not react appropriately to insulin, can be brought on by inflammation. However, these advantages might be more beneficial for wound healing.
· Gut Microbiome Health: The gut microbiome may benefit from honey's oligosaccharides.
Conclusion
Your insulin level may be impacted by honey, a natural sweetener. However, moderation is essential, just like with any sweetener.
Before incorporating honey into your diet, see a physician. Not everyone should consume honey, even those who have been told to reduce their blood sugar.
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