EPISODE 3. Honey Is "Less Bad" Than Sugar for Diabetics

The evidence on honey and diabetes is mixed.

On one hand, it can help with some risk factors that are common in diabetics.

For example, it lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammation, and raises HDL (the "good") cholesterol (9, 10, 11).

However, some studies have found that it can also increase blood sugar levels, just not as much as refined sugar (10).

So, while honey may be "less bad" than refined sugar for diabetics, it is still something that diabetics should only consume with caution.

In fact, diabetics may do best minimizing all high-carb foods (12).

Bottom Line:
Some studies show that honey improves heart disease risk factors in diabetics. However, it also raises blood sugar levels, so it can not be considered "diabetic-friendly."