Honey or sugar: which is better for blood sugar?
Short answer
Honey and sugar affect blood sugar about the same (GI 58 vs 65). How much you have, and what you have it with, matters more than which one you pick.
| Per usual serving | Honey | Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Glycemic index | 58 | 65 |
| Glycemic load per serving | 10 | 3 |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 17 g | 5 g |
| Calories | 64 kcal | 20 kcal |
| Serving | 1 tablespoon | 1 teaspoon |
Highlighted values are the better of the two for blood sugar. Glycemic load counts the portion as well as the GI, so it is the fairer comparison when serving sizes differ.
What makes the difference
Honey's GI is a little lower because part of it is fructose, but a spoon of honey has more calories and nearly the same sugar as a spoon of cheeni. Neither is a safe sweetener for diabetes.
How to eat honey with less of a spike
Honey with warm water on an empty stomach still raises blood sugar. Use no more than a teaspoon, take it with a meal that has protein or fiber, and do not treat it as a diabetic-friendly sugar.
How to eat sugar with less of a spike
The problem is how many spoons add up through the day. Cut the sugar in each cup of chai by half for a week, then half again; your taste adjusts quickly. Gud, honey and brown sugar are not better swaps.
Common questions
Which is better for diabetes, honey or sugar?
Honey and sugar affect blood sugar about the same (GI 58 vs 65). How much you have, and what you have it with, matters more than which one you pick.
What is the glycemic index of honey and sugar?
Honey has a GI of 58 (medium) and Sugar (Cheeni) has a GI of 65 (medium). Glycemic load is 10 for honey and 3 for sugar, based on usual servings of 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon.
Shahad ya cheeni, sugar ke mareez ke liye kya behtar hai?
Dono ka blood sugar par asar lagbhag ek jaisa hai (GI 58 aur 65), isliye dono ko kam matra mein hi lein. Kitna khaate hain aur kiske saath khaate hain, yeh zyada maayne rakhta hai.