Can Honey Help Manage Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases today, affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. While it remains a leading cause of mortality, diabetes doesn't have to be a death sentence. Modern medicine is increasingly exploring the health benefits of natural products, including medicinal herbs and honey, as complementary approaches to managing this condition.

By combining traditional medical treatments with alternative remedies—such as raw honey—diabetic patients may improve insulin regulation and enhance overall health.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with two primary forms:

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The more common form, influenced by lifestyle factors and, in some cases, genetic predisposition.

Honey: A Sweet Remedy with Ancient Roots

Honey has been a staple in folk medicine for centuries, but its health benefits have only recently gained scientific attention. Research conducted in the last decade highlights honey’s potential as a novel anti-diabetic agent.

A scientific review by Otilia Bobiş and colleagues compiles experimental studies that suggest honey may aid in managing diabetes and its complications. The review emphasizes the following points:

• Honey has been used medicinally since ancient times.
• Evidence from experimental studies suggests honey helps regulate blood sugar, reduce other metabolic disorders, and mitigate complications in various organs.
• Honey consumption has been shown to reduce both body weight and blood glucose levels compared to sugar intake in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Honey for Diabetic Wound Care

In addition to its internal benefits, honey has significant topical applications for diabetes-related complications, particularly in wound care. Diabetic wounds often heal slowly or fail to heal entirely, leading to severe complications that conventional treatments may not address effectively. Honey’s antimicrobial and healing properties make it a valuable option for managing these challenging wounds.

For a detailed review, visit the full study here.

Copyright © 2018 Otilia Bobiş et al. This article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, allowing unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction, provided the original work is properly cited.

Source:

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Volume 2018, Article ID 4757893, 12 pages