Honey and Diabetes
Many diabetics stay away from honey, out of a fear that the sweet nectar will cause a spike
in their blood sugar levels. However, as with many nutritional ‘truths’, the answer to “is honey
safe for diabetics” is not as cut and dry as we might suspect. In fact, studies have shown that
careful consumption of honey is safe for most diabetics.
The Canadian Diabetes Association notes that tracking carbohydrates is one of the ways
diabetics can keep their diabetes under control. One tablespoon of honey contains 17 grams
of carbohydrates, the same amount as in a single small apple. A teaspoon of honey, then, has
only 5.3 grams of carbohydrates. Diabetics are also encouraged to be aware of the Glycemic
Index (GI) of the foods they eat and choose foods with lower GI values over ones with higher
values. Pure, unadulterated honey has a lower GI value than white sugar and may be a good
choice as a non-chemical sugar substitute for some diabetics.
Yet another advantage of honey for diabetics is found in the way our bodies perceive
sweetness. The sweetness in honey comes from fructose and glucose in a 1:1 ratio. Human
taste buds perceive fructose as sweeter than glucose, so honey tastes sweeter than regular
sugar. As a result, we tend to use less honey to sweeten to the same degree as sugar, so the
carbohydrate and glycemic load of honey is further reduced compared to the sugar that would
be needed to achieve a similar level of sweetness with sugar.
Scientific studies on the use of honey by type II diabetics have shown that consuming honey
daily for a period of 8 weeks can have beneficial effects on body weight and for blood lipids. As
with any medical condition, people who have diabetes should consult with their doctor about
whether honey is safe for them to utilize as part of their diabetes management plan.
scientific studies:
Brought to you by
Abdulrhman, Mamdouh, Mohamed El-Hefnawy et Al, “The glycemic and peak incremental
indices of honey, sucrose and glucose in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: effects on
C-peptide level--a pilot study”. Acta Diabetol (2011) 48: 89-94.
Bahrami, Mohsen, Asal Ataie-Jafari et Al. “Effects of natural honey consumption in diabetic
patients: an 8-week randomized clinical trial”.International Journal of Food Sciences and
Nutrition, November 2009; 60(7): 618-626.
“Carbohydrate Counting.” Canadian Diabetes Association. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://www.
diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/healthy-living-resources/diet-nutrition/carbohydrate-counting>.
Jacob, Aglaee. “Can a Diabetic Eat Honey?” LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 18 Dec.
2013. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/431897-can-a-diabetic-eat-honey/>.
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