One study from Turkish researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes who ate 5-25 grams of honey daily for 4 months reduced their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is a measure of blood sugar control over recent months. But those who had more honey each day saw their A1c level rise.
Generally speaking, yes, it's OK to eat honey if you have diabetes. But you should consume it in moderation. Although honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, it still contains sugar. And any type of sugar will raise your blood glucose levels.
Honey intake by diabetics
Half a teaspoon of honey can be taken on any low sugar days (in hypoglycemia) with lemon tea or lime water just for taste change and sugar stabilisation by a diabetic. It cannot be a daily free food and for continuous long term use, as it can accelerate the effects of type 2 diabetes.
In the patient group, the increase in the level of C-peptide after using honey was not significant when compared with glucose or sucrose. The plasma glucose levels in response to honey peaked at 30–60 minutes and showed a rapid decline as compared to that of glucose.
Generally, there's no advantage to substituting honey for sugar in a diabetes eating plan. Both honey and sugar will affect your blood sugar level.
Honey is still a form of sugar and intake should be moderate. The American Heart Association recommends that women get no more than 100 calories a day from added sugars; men no more than 150 calories a day. This is a little over two tablespoons for women and three tablespoons for men.
Even though Manuka honey has powerful anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, it can still increase your blood sugar levels. Manuka honey falls within the medium Glycaemic Index (GI) range and individuals with diabetes should not be consume it regularly.
In moderation, eating regular peanut butter (not low-fat) should be fine for people with diabetes. Low-fat peanut butter should be reduced or avoided. This is because the fat content of low-fat peanut butter can be replaced with sugar and result in more carbohydrates.
With that being said, honey is still a natural sugar and carbohydrate that can raise glucose levels. So, while it may be slightly safer than white sugar for diabetics, it still should not be eaten frequently or in excess. Not to mention, some honeys at the market contain added sugars and should be avoided.
Allulose is a low calorie sweetener that's derived from fruits such as figs and raisins. It sorta tastes like a less sweet table sugar. Pros: Allulose doesn't have any impact on your blood sugar or insulin levels. This makes it a great honey alternative for people who have diabetes or are on a low carb diet.
Future therapeutic effect
In 2018, a review of studies concluded that honey might be useful for treating type 2 diabetes as it may have a hypoglycemic effect. In other words, it may help lower blood sugar.
Bananas are a delicious, nutritious and affordable food for everyone, including those with diabetes. Eating this healthy fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve heart health.
Try to go 10–12 hours each night without eating, Sheth said. For instance, if you eat breakfast at 8:30 a.m. every morning, that means capping your nighttime meals and snacks between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. each night.
Avoid nuts that are coated in salt — Dobbins notes that sodium is bad for your blood pressure — and sugar. More bad news if you love the sweet-and-savory combo: Chocolate-covered peanuts and honey-roasted cashews are high in carbs and not the best choice when you have diabetes, Dobbins says.
Manuka honey is exclusively from New Zealand and boasts more medicinal properties than other honey. Manuka honey may treat inflammatory skin conditions, heal wounds, and improve oral health. Do not use manuka honey if you have diabetes, an allergy to bees, or are under the age of one.
Manuka honey is often recommended for diabetics due to its lower glycemic index and additional health benefits, such as its antibacterial properties.
Raisins have 60% sugar but they are high in fiber and other nutrients so they are a good food choice for diabetics. Although quantity is essential, having two spoon raisins provides an abundance of health benefits to diabetic people. It is also a medium GI food that does not impact blood sugar levels that much.
Health benefits of eating a spoonful of honey everyday include diabetes management, cancer management, better heart health, and other benefits. Honey is a brown, sticky, sugar-saturated solution made by bees. Honey bees or forage bees collect nectar from flowers and add some enzymes to the nectar.
“Honey should be treated like all added sugars, something to include in your diet carefully and kept to a minimum,” Keating says. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) per day; women and children, no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) daily.
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of honey not only gives a good night's sleep but also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind and body.