Keep in mind that honey is sweeter than sugar. If you substitute honey for sugar, you only need a little.
Because honey can affect blood sugar, avoid it and other sweeteners until your diabetes is under control.
Honey should be consumed in moderation. Speak with your healthcare provider before using it as an added sweetener.
If your diabetes is well-controlled and you want to add honey to your diet, choose pure, organic, or raw natural honey. These types are safer for people with diabetes because all-natural honey doesn’t have any added sugar.
However, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems shouldn’t consume raw honey, as it’s not pasteurized.
If you purchase processed honey from a grocery store, it may also contain sugar or syrup. The added sweetener can affect your blood sugar different.
One benefit of eating honey is that it could increase your insulin level and help control your blood sugar.
Replacing sugar with honey can also be beneficial, considering how honey is a source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
A diet rich in antioxidants can improve how your body metabolizes sugar, and the anti-inflammatory properties in honey could potentially reduce diabetes complications.
Inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, which is when the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin.
Honey is a natural sweetener that could have a positive effect on your glycemic index. But as with any type of sweetener, moderation is key.
Talk to your doctor before adding honey to your diet. Honey isn’t right for everyone, including people who need to lower their blood sugar levels. If you eat honey, make sure it’s organic, raw, or pure honey that doesn’t contain added sugars.