Can manuka honey affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes?
Executive summary
Current reporting and small studies show Manuka honey has a moderate glycemic index (roughly mid-50s) and can raise blood glucose — but often to a lesser degree than table sugar; some animal and small human studies report reductions in blood glucose or HbA1c while others emphasize caution and moderation [1] [2] [3] [4]. No provided source offers large randomized clinical trials proving Manuka honey is safe as a regular glycemic-control therapy for people with diabetes; most recommend monitoring and medical advice [5] [6].
1. How Manuka honey affects blood sugar — the measured signal
Multiple consumer and clinical summaries place Manuka honey in the medium glycemic-index range (GI ~54–59), meaning it raises blood glucose after ingestion but often less steeply than table sugar; controlled postprandial tests showed a peak at about 30 minutes for Manuka samples [1] [2] [7]. Practical takeaways reported across sites: Manuka honey can raise blood sugar and should be counted as a carbohydrate — but the rise may be smaller than refined sugar in the same quantity [8] [5].
2. Evidence that it might lower long‑term markers (HbA1c) or improve glucose control
A small number of studies — including controlled trials cited by commercial blogs and an animal model — report improvements: some controlled human studies are described as showing reductions in HbA1c with small doses, and an alloxan‑diabetic rat model supplemented with Manuka honey showed lower glucose, higher insulin and signs of pancreatic beta‑cell regeneration [4] [3] [9]. These findings are preliminary: the rat study used high, experimental dosing (3 g/kg/day) and a chemically induced diabetes model, which limits direct translation to routine human use [3] [9].
3. Mechanisms proposed and what sources say about them
Writers point to Manuka’s unique compounds — methylglyoxal (MGO), polyphenols and antioxidants — and its antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory properties as the basis for potential benefits in wound healing and possibly metabolic effects [10] [11]. Laboratory and preclinical work links antioxidant effects to reduced oxidative stress and upregulation of regeneration‑related transcription factors in pancreatic tissue in animals, but human mechanistic proof is not presented in these sources [3] [9]. Available sources do not mention large-scale mechanistic human trials confirming these pathways.
4. Practical clinical guidance repeated across reports
Nearly every consumer and health summary cautions: honey is a concentrated sugar and must be used in moderation by people with diabetes; if consumed, it should be counted in carbohydrate totals and monitored with blood glucose checks and clinician guidance [5] [6] [8]. Some sites explicitly recommend testing blood sugar after trying Manuka or substituting small amounts for sugar, rather than assuming it is “safe” [5] [6].
5. Strengths and limitations of the available evidence
Strengths: there are repeated small clinical measurements of GI and postprandial glucose curves [1], and consistent preclinical data showing antioxidant and pancreatic effects in animals [3] [9]. Limitations: much of the human evidence cited is from small trials, commercial blog summaries, or secondary reporting rather than large randomized controlled trials; animal dosing and mechanisms do not directly translate to everyday dietary advice for people with diabetes [4] [3]. Several sources explicitly state there is no conclusive evidence supporting Manuka honey as a diabetes‑prevention or control therapy [5].
6. Competing viewpoints and potential agendas to watch
Retailers and brand blogs highlight Manuka’s lower GI and health benefits and sometimes present study results optimistically [10] [12] [11]. Academic and clinical sources stress measured GI values and urge caution, noting honey still raises blood glucose [1] [8] [2]. The commercial incentive to promote Manuka as a “health food” is visible in many sources; readers should weigh retailer claims against the clinical summaries and preclinical research [10] [11] [9].
7. Bottom line for people with diabetes
Manuka honey will affect blood sugar because it is a carbohydrate and has a medium GI; it may produce a smaller postprandial spike than table sugar but can still raise glucose and must be treated as part of a carbohydrate budget [1] [2] [8]. Some small studies and animal work suggest potential metabolic benefits, but the evidence is not definitive or robust enough to recommend Manuka as a therapy; consult your clinician and monitor glucose if you try it in small amounts [4] [3] [5].
Limitations: sources provided here are a mix of peer‑reviewed studies, preclinical work and commercial/consumer summaries; large randomized human trials and consensus clinical guidelines about Manuka honey for diabetes were not found in the supplied material [3] [1] [5].