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https://www.bluecircle.foundation/food/honey
Honey
CARBS
82.4g
PROTEINS
0.3g
FATS
0g
Honey is a natural sweetener but high in carbohydrates and sugars, making it unsuitable for a low-carbohydrate diabetes management diet.
Quantity: 100g
Glycemic Index: 58
Glycemic Load: 48.6
Fiber: 0g
Key Nutrients: Trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Health Impact: Honey causes rapid increases in blood sugar and insulin response due to its high fructose and glucose content.
💉 Suggested Bolus
If consumed, consider pre-bolusing insulin to manage the anticipated spike in glucose levels.
🍽️ Best Paired With (Veg)
- Chia seeds – High in fiber and healthy fats, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels when used as a sweetener substitute.
- Flaxseeds – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, aiding in blood sugar control and providing a nutty flavor.
🍽️ Best Paired With (Non Veg)
- Greek yogurt – Low in carbohydrates and high in protein, helping to balance blood sugar levels when combined with a sweetener substitute.
- Almond butter – Provides healthy fats and protein, which can help moderate blood sugar spikes when used in place of honey.
🥄 Smart Substitutes
- Stevia – A natural sweetener with zero carbohydrates that does not raise blood sugar levels.
- Erythritol – A sugar alcohol that has almost no calories and does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels.
- Monk fruit sweetener – Derived from a fruit, it contains no calories or carbs and does not raise blood sugar levels.
⏱ Blood Sugar Timeline
- 0–15 min: Honey causes a rapid increase in blood sugar due to its high glucose and fructose content.
- 30–60 min: Blood sugar levels may peak, leading to a significant insulin response.
- 2–3 hr: Blood sugar levels may begin to drop, potentially leading to hypoglycemia if insulin was overproduced.
“Many in the low-carb diabetes community find that completely avoiding sweeteners like honey and instead opting for natural, zero-carb alternatives helps maintain better glucose control and reduces cravings for sweets.”
— BCDF community member
— BCDF community member
🧠 Lowering Impact Tip
Use very sparingly or substitute with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
🤔 FAQs about Honey
Can I use honey in moderation if I have diabetes?
It's generally recommended to avoid honey as it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. Consider using a zero-carb sweetener instead.
Are there any natural sweeteners that don't affect blood sugar?
Yes, natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit do not impact blood sugar levels and are safe for diabetics.
