Kill the doubt: Honey Vs Diabetes

You’ve definitely heard about how replacing sugar with honey is the most effective option, and perhaps, you’re wondering “can I also use honey as a diabetic patient? “. Does using honey affect the blood sugar level?

Well, this article will tell you more about that.

Honey is a sweet brown-like substance produced by honey bees after feeding on nectar. The bees store honey produced in their hive and it is made available for human consumption by beekeepers. Beekeepers either filter the honey and sell it raw or pasteurise it and add extra sugars. (N.B Teddy’s Honey is unpasteurised)

Honey contains a lot of vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, ascorbic acid and pantothenic acid; along with minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It’s also high in antioxidants. For this reason, honey has always been considered a more nutritious alternative to sugar.

On the other hand, honey is slightly higher in calories and sweeter as compared to sugar.

Though honey is sweeter and high in calories, it’s still a better choice because it has a lower level of fructose and a lower glycaemic index than sugar. This means that honey doesn’t raise the blood sugar level as quickly as sugar will.

So for diabetic patients, it’s best to use honey than sugar and other refined sweeteners. It brings much to the table in terms of nutrition than sugar does. Honey is rich in antioxidants which helps metabolizes sugar and its anti- inflammatory properties can potentially reduce the complications that comes with diabetes.

Inflammation activates the expression of proteins that makes the body less responsive to insulin and increases the risk of insulin resistance, thus when the body cannot respond well to insulin

Nevertheless, honey should be taken in moderate quantities as it can increase blood sugar level when taken in high quantities

 In summary: As a diabetic patient, for all sweetening purposes, honey will be a better option. Just remember to always take in moderate quantities to prevent further complications and always opt for raw natural honey instead of processed ones which sometimes contain added sugars. Should you settle for honey, do well to choose a high-quality brand; choose Teddy’s Honey. Talk to your health provider as well before adding honey to your meals.

References

1. Vallianou NG, Gounari P, Skourtis A, Panagos J, Kazazis C (2014) Honey and its Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Properties. Gen Med (Los Angel) 2: 132. doi: 10.4172/2327-5146.1000132

1. Abdurrahman M, et al. (2013) Effects of honey, sucrose, and glucose on blood glucose and C-peptide in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus[Abstract] DOI. 10.1016/j.ctcp.20108.002

1. Higuera V. (2019) Honey and Diabetes: Is it safe? https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/honey-and-diabetes#takeaway

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