Honey consumption during diabetes: Is it safe?

Several people, especially health enthusiasts, add honey in their coffee or tea to make it sweeter and more healthier. People use honey as an alternative to process stable sugar. But it still several people are all around the world, wonder whether consumption of honey in diabetes is safe or not.

But many scientific researches and studies point toward the fact. That consumption of honey during diabetes in moderate amounts is not only safe, but very good because of its anti inflammatory property.

According to scientific tests, 1 tablespoon of raw honey can contain up to 60 calories. Out of which 17 grams are healthy carbohydrates.

• Honey and its link with blood sugar.

Honey is one of the natural sugar and carbohydrate source. It also affects blood sugar levels in some ways. But these effects is quite small in comparison to process table sugar.

During a study, it was found that group of people with diabetes when given honey just show initial rise in sugar levels for just 30 minutes. But after some time the blood sugar level decreased and came to normal.

• Honey may have potential to prevent diabetes.

Although honey may increase insulin levels for some time after consumption. But till now, there do not appear any concrete research that support honey as a preventive factor for diabetes.

But health experts advise use of honey in place of table sugar because of its low glycemic index. During a human study, in which people with type one diabetes and normal people took part. Found that both the groups have low glycemic effects after intake of honey.

• Do honey intake have any risk during diabetes?

The thing to keep in mind is honey is more sweet then regular table sugar. So one must use moderate or little amount of honey only.

If one has a well control diabetic condition then can easily add honey in your diet. But always take advice from your health expert regarding dose. And always keep an eye on the nutrition label to check any sugar additive is added. Although natural honey is quite beneficial then commercially available processed honey. But people with immunity disorders and pregnant women should avoid it. Because it is generally unpasteurised.

For type 2 diabetic patients, honey can help in increasing insulin levels. That will surely help in controlling blood sugar levels. So replacing regular table sugar with honey can be beneficial.

Addition to this, honey has its own antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties. It is scientifically proven that a diet with good antioxidants will improve body's sugar metabolism.

So honey is a natural sweetness that can have positive effects on your glycemic index. However it should be taken in moderate amounts because it is more sweet then sugar.

But if you have a regular problem of fluctuating blood sugar levels, especially elevations. It is advisable to take advice from your health expert regarding dosage.