Submitted by Minesh, London
I love honey and usually take one tablespoon each morning on an empty stomach. My mother does the same and also takes a tablespoon of olive oil.
My mother has diabetes controlled with diet, exercise and glibenclamide. Does honey affect her blood sugar? What is the glycemic index of honey, and is it high or low? I know honey is often promoted as a powerful remedy, but I do not want her blood sugar to spike.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hi Minesh,
Yes, honey can raise your mother’s blood sugar. Although it contains small amounts of antioxidants and other compounds, nutritionally it remains a concentrated source of carbohydrate and added sugar. It should not be treated as a medicine or as a “free” food for diabetes.
There is no single glycemic-index value for every honey. Different studies have reported values below 55 for some varieties and around 69–74 for others. The result depends on the floral source, glucose-to-fructose ratio and processing.
Therefore, the old statement that honey always has a GI of 55 is too precise. The usual categories are low GI at 55 or below, medium GI at 56–69 and high GI at 70 or above. Our glycemic-index guide for diabetes explains why GI is only one part of the decision.
One tablespoon of honey is commonly used as about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate when treating hypoglycemia. That tells us it can raise glucose quickly. Taking it on an empty stomach may produce a noticeable rise, especially when fasting glucose is already high.
If your mother wants honey occasionally, she can use a small measured amount and count it within her total carbohydrate intake. It is usually better to add it to a balanced meal than to take it alone. The role of portion size and total carbohydrate is explained in our article on carbohydrates and diabetes.
Some studies find differences between honey and refined sugar, but the evidence does not show that honey treats diabetes or prevents complications. A lower glucose response than pure glucose does not mean that honey has no effect on blood sugar.
Current diabetes nutrition guidance recommends minimizing foods with added sugar and emphasizing non-starchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and appropriate protein sources.
Glibenclamide, also called glyburide, stimulates the pancreas to release insulin and can cause serious hypoglycemia. Risk increases when meals are delayed or skipped, food intake is reduced, alcohol is used, or kidney or liver function is impaired.
Honey should not be used routinely to “balance” glibenclamide. If glucose falls below 70 mg/dL and she is awake and able to swallow, honey can be one fast-acting treatment option according to her hypoglycemia plan. Our low blood sugar treatment guide explains the 15-15 rule.
Olive oil is an unsaturated fat that fits a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, especially when it replaces butter, ghee or other saturated fats.
However, taking a tablespoon by itself every morning is not required to protect against heart attack or stroke. Olive oil is calorie-dense and does not directly lower glucose. It is better used in sensible portions with vegetables, salads or cooked meals, as described in our Mediterranean diet for diabetes.
Do not change the glibenclamide dose based on one food test. Her HbA1c, repeated glucose pattern, kidney function and low-glucose history should guide treatment.
Your mother does not need honey or olive oil on an empty stomach for diabetes. If she enjoys honey, use a small measured amount occasionally and count it as carbohydrate. Whole fruit is usually a more nutrient-dense sweet choice because it also provides fiber.
Olive oil can remain part of a healthy meal pattern, but it should replace less healthy fats rather than simply adding extra calories. Because she takes glibenclamide, she needs a clear hypoglycemia plan.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Albana Greca
Click here to post comments or follow up
Ask the Doctor now? Simply click here to return to Low Glycemic Diet.