Is honey good for diabetics ?
Some studies have indicated that honey can have some benefits for diabetics when consumed in moderation, but it remains better to consult a doctor before using it as a sweetener, and these benefits still need more studies to confirm, including the following :
May reduce lipid and cholesterol levels in diabetics
Consuming 10 grams of honey for 10 weeks may reduce glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a 2016 clinical study published in the Journal of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics.
May reduce the risk of high levels of liver enzymes
Eating thyme honey in conjunction with high-intensity exercise may help reduce liver enzyme activity in diabetics, according to a 2020 lab study published in the Journal of Diabetes Nursing.
Contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Honey contains ingredients with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful in reducing the problems of diabetes and other diseases, including asthma, digestive diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, according to a scientific review published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research in 2017.
Honey may boost diabetes medications
Taking honey with anti-diabetic medications may have obvious positive effects, according to a 2015 clinical study in Sudan published in the journal Sudan Medical Monitor.
Honey may have a future therapeutic effect
The use of honey may have other future benefits in treating diabetes, and it may be able to reduce the complications of this disease, according to a scientific review published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2018.
The effect of honey on blood sugar
Both sugar and honey affect blood sugar levels, and honey is sweeter than table sugar, it is recommended to consume less of it if consumed instead of sugar, and it is preferable to moderate its intake and consult a doctor before consuming it.
On the other hand, diabetics are advised to avoid consuming it completely if their blood sugar levels are not controlled, but if their blood sugar levels are well controlled, you can choose pure and organic honey, or fresh natural honey, as these types are safer for them, because they do not contain added sugar and the following are some points related to this matter :
- Fructose in honey can cause increased liver absorption of glucose and storage of glycogen synthesis, thereby increasing blood sugar control in diabetics, according to a 2015 review published in the Medical Journal of Lampung University.
- There is a discrepancy in the results of studies on this benefit : more studies should include larger samples of honey intake by diabetics, according to another review published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2018.
The effect of honey on insulin
People with diabetes should consult a doctor or nutritionist before eating honey to ensure its safety for them, and to determine the permissible amounts of it, as eating honey affects insulin as follows :
- Honey intake may reduce glucose levels during periods of interruption of eating and increase c-peptide levels during fasting (an important indicator of insulin production levels), according to a scientific review published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences in 2017.
- Honey may stimulate insulin secretion and reduce blood glucose levels, according to a 2013 review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences.
- Eating large amounts of honey a day may lower cholesterol levels in people with type II diabetes, but it may also increase cumulative sugar levels or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a measure of blood sugar.
Nutritional value of honey
Diabetics may need to know the levels of sugar and other nutrients in honey to decide whether to eat it or not, and the following is an explanation of all the nutrients available in 1 tablespoon, or the equivalent of 21 grams of honey :
| Nutritional element | Nutritional value |
| Water | 3.59 milliliters |
| Calories | 63.8 calories |
| Carbohydrates | 17.3 grams |
| Sugars | 17.2 grams |
| Sucrose | 0.187 grams |
| Glucose | 7.51 grams |
| Fructose | 8.6 grams |
| Maltose | 0.302 grams |
| Galactose | 0.651 grams |
| Dietary fiber | 0.042 grams |
| Protein | 0.063 grams |
| Fats | 0 grams |
| Calcium | 1.26 milligrams |
| Iron | 0.088 milligrams |
| Magnesium | 0.42 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 0.84 milligrams |
| Potassium | 10.9 milligrams |
| Sodium | 0.84 milligrams |
| Zinc | 0.046 milligrams |
| Selenium | 0.168 μg |
| Fluorine | 1.47 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 0.105 milligrams |
| Vitamin B1 | 0 milligrams |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.008 milligrams |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.025 milligrams |
| Vitamin B5 | 0.014 milligrams |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.005 milligrams |
| Folate | 0.42 mcg |
| Choline | 0.462 milligrams |
Honey Harm
Honey safety grade
Eating honey is often safe for most adults, including pregnant and lactating mothers, but it is often unsafe if it is produced from the nectar of flowers known as rhododendrons, as this type of honey contains a toxic substance that may lead to heart problems, chest pain, and low blood pressure.
Precautions for the use of honey
The following points illustrate some of the cases in which they should be careful when using honey :
- Diabetics : eating large amounts of honey can increase blood sugar levels in patients with type II diabetes, and as we mentioned earlier, a large spoonful of honey contains 17.3 grams of carbohydrates, and this may be a lot, so it is necessary to talk to a specialist doctor about the permissible and appropriate amounts of it before consuming it.
- People with pollen allergy : it is recommended to avoid eating honey if you are allergic to pollen, because it is originally made from these grains, which may cause allergic reactions.
Ways to enjoy honey safely for diabetics
Diabetics can enjoy honey with several delicious recipes, but they need to be careful to eat it in moderation as part of a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, and it is necessary to calculate the total content of carbohydrates in the meal when eating honey to avoid high blood sugar, as for the amount of honey allowed for diabetics, it can be known by consulting a doctor or nutritionist.
Summary of the article
Eating honey may provide many benefits for diabetics, such as reducing cholesterol levels, enhancing insulin secretion, and the possibility of reducing the complications of this disease, and it must be taken with caution without excess, and avoided in case of suffering from an allergy to pollen, and the doctor must be asked about the amount allowed to eat, as each person is different from the other according to his needs, health condition and the extent to which he controls his sugar levels.
Read also : The benefits of honey for the eye
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