Can a diabetic person have honey instead of sugar? (Question of the day)

Is honey an effective replacement of sugar for a person suffering from diabetes? Here's the answer.

This is one of the most common questions asked about diabetes. When it comes to diabetes, you might feel that anything sweet should be banned from your diet. However, this may not necessarily be true. While sugar is a strict no-no for you, there are many innovative ways to replace your dietary sugar with healthy alternatives. One such healthier replacement is honey (but beware anything in excess is harmful).

Honey how much is too much for diabetics?

Clinical studies have shown that pure honey is a healthier choice for diabetics than sugar and other sweeteners. This is because -

• Honey has a lower glycaemic Index (GI) i.e. it does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly as sugar.
• Additionally, it also requires lower levels of insulin compared to regular white sugar to metabolise (take up sugar molecules from blood and transport to cells for storage or breakdown).

One tablespoon honey = 17 grams of carbohydrate

The key consideration when it comes to diabetics is that the total carbohydrates in your diet and not the amount of sugar are of significance. Honey is higher in calories and is sweeter than sugar. Also, one tablespoon of honey has approximately 17 grams of carbohydrate. Hence, if you use honey instead of sugar, you can add less honey and get the same sweetness (as that obtained from addition of sugar).

Important -- Points you should remember

Before you decide to make the switch, make sure to first consult your doctor or dietician. An important fact you should keep in mind while using honey, is to be sure that you are using pure honey and not an adulterated one. Also, monitor your intake of honey to avoid any health complications due to excess consumption. Here are 10 healthy resolutions every diabetic should follow for a better life.

You may also like to read about 10 yoga poses to keep diabetes under control!

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