Is Honey Better Than White Sugar for People with Diabetes?

Honey is NOT a safe substitute for sugar in diabetes. For blood sugar control, honey and white sugar behave very similarly.

Now let me explain this carefully, because this confusion is extremely common.

Why people think honey is “better” than sugar

Honey is perceived as healthier because:

• It is “natural”.
• It contains trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• It has been traditionally used in Ayurveda and home remedies.

All of this is true, but it does not mean it is safe for diabetes.

What actually happens to honey inside the body

Honey is mainly made of:

• Glucose.
• Fructose.

Once you consume honey:

• Glucose directly raises blood sugar.
• Fructose is converted in the liver and also contributes to glucose over time.

End result: Blood sugar rises, just like with table sugar.

Glycemic index - Honey vs white sugar

• White sugar (sucrose) GI ≈ 65
• Honey GI ≈ 58-65.

This difference is too small to matter clinically.

In real life:

• 1 spoon of honey raises sugar almost the same as 1 spoon of sugar
• Quantity matters more than the “natural” label. ^[]

Does honey trigger insulin or sugar spikes?

Yes.

Honey:

• Raises post-meal glucose.
• Stimulates insulin release.
• Can worsen sugar control if used regularly.

Studies show:

• Honey may cause slightly slower rise in some people
• But overall HbA1c and fasting sugars do not improve with routine honey use.^[5]

What about antioxidants in honey?

Yes, honey contains antioxidants.

But here is the key clinical truth:

You do NOT treat diabetes with antioxidants delivered through sugar.

You can get antioxidants safely from:

• Vegetables.
• Fruits (controlled portions).
• Nuts.
• Seeds.

Can honey ever be used in diabetes?

Rare, specific situations only:

• During hypoglycemia (low sugar), like any fast sugar.
• Occasional medicinal use (for cough, wound care), not daily intake.

Honey is not a daily sweetener for diabetics.

A common dangerous myth

“Since honey is natural, I can take more”. This is wrong and harmful.

From a sugar-control perspective:

• Honey = sugar.
• Jaggery = sugar.
• Brown sugar = sugar.
• Coconut sugar = sugar.

What should diabetics use instead?

Best options:

• Reduce sweetness gradually.
• Use non-nutritive sweeteners (stevia, sucralose) in moderation.
• Train the taste buds to need less sweetness.^[6]

Simple takeaway for patients

Honey is natural, but diabetes does not care if sugar is natural or artificial.
For blood sugar, honey behaves like sugar.

If your goal is good control:

• Avoid routine honey use.
• Focus on portion control and overall diet quality.