Is honey good for diabetes?

Limit

Not really. Honey is best kept occasional with diabetes. Still sugar, despite the health halo. Treat it as sugar.

Verdict for Type 2 Diabetes

Limit

Not really. Honey is best kept occasional with diabetes. Still sugar, despite the health halo. Treat it as sugar.

The numbers

Glycemic index
≈ 61 (Medium)
Serving
1 tbsp
Glycemic load
10 (Low)

Smarter swap

Glycemic load lower by ≈ 3

One of the best fruits available in India for blood sugar.

Smarter swap

Glycemic load lower by ≈ 3

Low GI, high soluble fibre, widely available.

Smarter swap

Magnesium and healthy fat; soaked or raw makes little practical difference.

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Honey: glycemic index and serving

Glycemic index, serving and glycemic load for Honey
Glycemic index≈ 61 (Medium)
Typical serving1 tbsp
Glycemic load10 per serving (Low)

The published glycemic index figures for honey vary widely between sources. This value is marked as disputed and is pending a sourced figure from our reviewing dietitian.

Sweet and diabetes

Indian sweets combine refined flour or milk solids with a large sugar load, which is why a single piece can move post-meal glucose more than a full meal.

Better swaps if you have diabetes

  • GuavaYesGlycemic load lower by ≈ 3

    One of the best fruits available in India for blood sugar.

  • AppleYesGlycemic load lower by ≈ 3

    Low GI, high soluble fibre, widely available.

  • Magnesium and healthy fat; soaked or raw makes little practical difference.

Can I eat honey every day with diabetes?

Daily is not a good idea. Still sugar, despite the health halo. Keep it occasional — treat it as sugar.

What is the glycemic index of honey?

Honey has a glycemic index of approximately 61, which puts it in the medium range. At a typical serving of 1 tbsp, the glycemic load works out to about 10 — low. Glycemic load is the more useful number, because it accounts for how much you actually eat.

What should I eat honey with if I have diabetes?

Treat it as sugar. As a general rule, adding protein — curd, eggs, sprouts, paneer or nuts — to any carbohydrate meaningfully lowers the glucose response of the whole meal.

More on honey

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Medical disclaimer

This is general dietary information, not medical advice. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glipizide, gliclazide), reducing your carbohydrate intake — or adding foods like bitter gourd or fenugreek that lower glucose on their own — can cause hypoglycemia. Talk to your doctor before making changes, and monitor your glucose while you do.

Plate.Fit provides diet recommendations and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before starting a new diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a chronic health condition.