Diabetes foods: Is honey a good substitute for sugar?

I have diabetes, and I'm wondering if I can substitute honey for sugar in my diet?

- Ann / Minnesota

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Honey is quite similar to sugar, so there is no real advantage from substituting honey for sugar. Unlike sugar, honey provides some minerals — but only in trace amounts. Also, honey is sweeter than granulated sugar, so you can substitute a smaller amount of honey for sugar in some recipes. But honey actually has more carbohydrates and more calories per teaspoon than granulated sugar has. So any calories and carbohydrates you save will be nominal.

If you prefer the taste of honey, go ahead and use it — but only in moderation. Be sure to count the carbohydrates in honey as part of your eating plan.