I have Type 1 diabetes. Can I eat honey? Is it safe to eat honey while being a diabetic? Is there any advantage of replacing table sugar with honey in diabetes control?
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Honey contains high sugar. High sugar in honey can worsen uncontrolled diabetes. But, honey also contains antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory nutrients. Antioxidants in honey can help in reducing inflammation and diabetes complications.
So, if your Type 1 diabetes is well-controlled, you may occasionally take honey in very small quantities. But, if your sugar is running high, it is better to first control it and then add honey to your diet. In all cases, avoid eating honey in large amounts in diabetes.
If you like the taste of honey in tea, milk, or desserts, you can, of course, replace table sugar with a small amount of honey but you must know that honey also elevates blood sugar levels. The best advice would be to minimise the use of any kind of sugar or sweetener to food and beverages.
Read more about foods for diabetic diet.