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Diabetes is caused due to increased blood sugar levels in the body. The key to the management of diabetes is a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle that can control blood sugar levels quite effectively. People with diabetes must control their carbohydrates and sugar intake as they significantly elevate their blood glucose levels. However, when it comes to sugar intake, diabetics need to manage their consumption of carbohydrates, not cut down on sweets altogether.
Many people believe that by swapping honey for refined sugar in diabetes, they might be able to add sweetener to their diet without aggravating the disease. Is this true? The answer is yes. The use of honey in diabetes is definitely safe but it must be consumed in moderation.
Can Honey Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Honey is a natural sweetener, which is used by bees as a source of energy. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. It might be a natural sweetener, but it is still a carbohydrate and therefore it is quite natural that it elevates the level of blood glucose in the body. Researchers found that honey increases the blood glucose level in the body for 30 minutes post-consumption. However, thereafter the blood sugar levels start declining. They concluded that honey may lead to an increase in insulin in the body, the hormone responsible for controlling levels of blood glucose.
Is Honey Safe For Diabetics?
Honey has a low glycemic effect as compared to sugar. The glycemic effect is the effect that specific foods have on blood sugar levels. So, when it comes to choosing a sweetener, honey is probably the best option for diabetics.
Researchers believe that honey may have led to an increase in insulin. Although more studies and research are required to be sure of the preventive action of honey, it is definitely considered safe for diabetics.
Diabetes and inflammation are connected with each other. Inflammation can lead to insulin resistance in the body as well as significantly increased diabetes complications. Owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can help metabolize sugar in the body and may also help to reduce many issues caused due to diabetes.
Things To Keep In Mind While Using Honey
Honey is sweeter than sugar. Therefore, when you are substituting honey for sugar, you will need less honey as compared to refined sugar. Honey is packed with carbohydrates and it leads to an increase in the blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, try to avoid other sweeteners while you are consuming honey.
A doctor’s consultation is extremely important before adding honey to your diet. Diabetes is affected by a lot of factors and can lead to different issues in different people. Therefore, you must check with your doctor to see if honey is safe for you. Even if the doctor recommends honey, make sure you eat it in moderation.
Processed honey has added sugar that can be detrimental to your blood sugar levels. Therefore, always try to consume raw and organic honey. However, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems must not eat raw honey as it is not pasteurized.
Takeaway:
Yes, honey is safe for diabetes, if eaten in moderation. However, you must consult with your doctor to confirm if you can eat honey or not. Even though honey has multiple benefits, it is still rich in carbohydrates and can increase blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, eating it in moderation is the key to effective diabetes management. It also has a low glycemic effect, making it a better option in case you have diabetes.
