Can Honey Affect Blood Sugar in Older Adults?
Honey tastes sweet and comes from bees. Many people think it is healthier than table sugar. But does it really help keep blood sugar steady, especially for older adults? The answer is no. Honey raises blood sugar much like regular sugar does. This can be a problem for seniors who often deal with diabetes or high blood sugar.
Honey contains about 80 percent natural sugars. These are fructose and glucose. One tablespoon has around 17 grams of sugar. That is close to a day’s limit for many people. A study from 2021 showed honey has a glycemic index of 58. Table sugar is 60. The glycemic index measures how fast foods raise blood sugar. Both are high, so honey causes a quick spike[1][2].
Older adults need to watch this closely. As people age, their bodies handle sugar less well. Insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, does not work as smoothly. Studies on diets show that too much sugar from any source raises risks for type 2 diabetes and heart issues in seniors[3]. Replacing sugar with honey does not fix this. A neurosurgeon noted that honey can lift blood sugar just as much if eaten without fiber or in large amounts[4].
Some say honey is better because it has a slightly lower glycemic index, around 50 to 60. It might cause a slower rise than sugar’s 65. Honey also has antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These could help health in small ways. But for blood sugar control, the effect is small. Your body breaks down honey’s sugars the same way as other sweets[1][2].
Doctors say people with diabetes should treat honey like any added sugar. Count it in meals. The American Heart Association limits added sugars to 25 grams a day for women and 36 for men. One spoon of honey uses most of that up. For older adults, sticking to small amounts or skipping it is safer[1].
Raw honey keeps more good compounds than processed kinds. Still, no strong proof shows it lowers blood sugar risks better in seniors. Diets rich in whole foods, like plants and low sugars, help more with steady glucose levels[3].
Sources:
https://spice.alibaba.com/spice-basics/is-honey-healthy-for-you
https://www.cleaneatzkitchen.com/a/blog/is-honey-good-for-weight-loss
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12735702/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/neurosurgeon-explains-why-replacing-sugar-with-honey-and-jaggery-may-still-harm-blood-sugar/articleshow/126092397.cms
