Is Honey Consumption Safe for People with Diabetes

Persons with diabetes have to control and manage sugar and carbohydrate intake. This of course doesn’t forbid them to consume sweets altogether. Honey has higher sugar and calories percentage and some people add honey to their coffee and tea or use it as a sweetener while baking. But for diabetics, is consuming honey safely.

Well surprisingly the answer is yes, but one should always remember that honey consumption by diabetics, should be only situation-specific like mainly when diabetes is well under control. Honey is a natural sugar and when compared to table sugar, experiments have indicated that honey has a smaller negative effect on diabetics.

A study was conducted in 2004 involved individuals with and without type 1 diabetes. The studies revealed that there was an initial increase in blood sugar 30 minutes after consumption of honey amongst people with diabetes. But the blood sugar levels later decreased and remained at lower levels for two hours.

Another 30-day study was conducted on 55 persons, comparing the effects of table sugar and honey and researchers found that honey consumption resulted in a decrease in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. Also, the triglyceride levels were reduced by 19% nearly.

Overall, the researchers have found a possible connection between honey and a lower glycemic index.

In comparison to refined sugar, intake of honey is advantageous as conveyed through scientific experiments. Researchers observed that refined sugar offers little contribution in terms of nutrition, while honey has the advantage of providing antioxidants — including phenolic acids and flavonoids.

One study involved 48 people with type 2 diabetes and the results indicated that though honey does raise blood sugar levels, it may not be to the same extent as sugar.

Therefore if honey is taken in moderation, it will be safer than refined sugar and since it has anti-inflammatory properties, chances of reduction of diabetes complications are generally higher.

Research has also revealed that honey is associated with the improvement of heart health, wound healing, and blood antioxidant status.

CONCLUSION:

Based on given aspects and facts it can be interpreted that honey, may raise insulin in the human body, unlike table sugar, which is an important hormone for controlling blood sugar. But further research is needed to prove this inference.

Honey is a natural sweetener that has the advantage of lowering triglyceride levels in the blood. Refined sugar offers little contribution in terms of nutrition, while honey has the advantage of providing antioxidants — including phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Experiments have indicated that honey does raise blood sugar levels, but it may not be to the same extent as sugar. Therefore honey is not the correct recommendation for those who need to lower their blood sugar levels. Also, consuming too much may cause adverse effects due to its high sugar and calorie content.

Thus one should ensure that the intake is for organic, raw, or pure honey, which does not contain added sugars. Thus, it’s always preferable to replace other forms of sugar with honey, but the intake should be moderate. So choosing a high-quality product and taking honey in small to moderate quantity can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Last but not the least, always consult your doctor before planning to add honey in your diet.