What exactly is Manuka honey?

Before we turn to the effects on blood sugar, let’s take a quick look at the unique characteristics of this honey. Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is made from the nectar of the South Island myrtle (Leptospermum scoparium). What makes it special is its high content of methylglyoxal (MGO) – a naturally occurring substance found in no other honey at this concentration. The MGO value is listed on the label and is considered a mark of quality: the higher the value, the more intense and rare the honey.

In addition to MGO, Manuka honey—like any other honey—contains various types of sugar, primarily fructose and glucose. Depending on the variety, the sugar content is approximately 75–82%. This means it is not a sugar-free product, but rather a natural source of sweetness.

What makes it interesting, however, is its effect on blood sugar levels. Due to its glycemic index, this effect differs significantly from that of table sugar. Many people who want to avoid industrial sugar deliberately choose Manuka honey as a healthier alternative.

 

How does Manuka honey affect blood sugar levels?

If you have diabetes, it’s not just the amount of sugar that matters, but also how quickly it enters the blood. The glycemic index (GI) measures this rate. A high GI means a rapid and sharp rise in blood sugar, while a low GI results in a slower, more moderate rise. This is where the discussion aboutManuka honey for diabeticsgets interesting.

Like any type of honey, Manuka honey is a source of sugar and affects blood sugar levels. The key difference lies in the glycemic index (GI). The GI of Manuka honey falls within a moderate range, usually between 50 and 60. In comparison, regular table sugar has a higher GI of about 65. This means that Manuka honey actually causes your blood sugar levels to rise more slowly than plain table sugar. But be careful: this moderate rise should not be confused with the effect of foods with a truly low GI, such as nuts or whole grains. These cause your blood sugar to spike much less.

 

Is Manuka honey a good alternative to sugar?

If you want to cut down on sugar in general and are looking to avoid refined sugar in particular, honey is often the go-to choice. So let’s take a quick look at how Manuka honey can be a sensible alternative to regular sugar:

Compared to regular sugar, Manuka honey contains not only glucose and fructose, but also small amounts of minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals. These substances make it a “more complex” sweetener. Nevertheless, it remains high in calories: One teaspoon provides about 30 kilocalories —similar to regular sugar.

If you want to consciously reduce your sugar intake, Manuka honey can help you sweeten your food less but more effectively. Its rich flavor means you need less of it. This can be an advantage if you’re trying to eat a balanced diet. Plus, as mentioned earlier, it has a lower glycemic index than table sugar.

However: Even though Manuka honey has a slightly different composition than regular table sugar and has a lower glycemic index, this does not change the fact that it contains sugar. It should therefore be considered a treat and enjoyed in moderation.

 

Manuka Honey for People with Diabetes - What Research Is Currently Being Conducted?

Manuka honey has several properties that are of interest in relation to diabetes and are currently being researched.

• Antioxidants and Cell Protection: In diabetes, oxidative stress plays a role in the development of complications. Manuka honey contains natural antioxidants. Whether these substances can serve as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress is currently being investigated scientifically.
• Improved insulin sensitivity? Some preclinical studies are investigating whether the bioactive compounds in honey could improve insulin sensitivity. This would mean that your body could make better use of insulin again. However, there are currently no reliable results from human studies on this topic. Therefore, no conclusions regarding its effect on human health can be drawn.
• Wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers: The antibacterial properties of Manuka honey have led to its use in wound treatment. It is used specifically for diabetic foot ulcers in medically supervised cases. It is important to note thatthis is typically done with medically processed Manuka honey and should not be done without medical supervision.

 

Is Manuka honey suitable for people with diabetes? – The MGO value

AlthoughManuka honeyis of interestto people with diabetesdue to its greater sweetness and lower glycemic index, they sometimes have concerns about the high MGO content in the honey. Let’s take a closer look at this issue below:

Studies show that people with diabetes tend to have higher levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) in their blood compared to healthy individuals, which may result from impaired glucose metabolism. This has sometimes led to the conclusion that Manuka honey is unsuitable for people with diabetes because it contains MGO itself. However, it is important to understand the following distinction:

The MGO in honey is an exogenous substance present in food that is largely broken down or bound in the digestive tract and therefore does not necessarily enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. Current studies provide no clear evidence that moderate consumption of Manuka honey increases the body’s MGO levels in people with diabetes. Therefore, Manuka honey should not be blanketly classified as “dangerous” for diabetics, but its consumption—as with all sugar-containing foods—should be moderate and managed in consultation with the treating physician.

 

Manuka Honey for People with Diabetes: What to Look For

If you have diabetes and want to enjoy Manuka honey, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Pay attention to the amount
  Often, just half a teaspoon is enough to lightly sweeten food or tea. Small amounts usually have a much smaller effect on blood sugar than larger portions.
• Monitor your reaction and check your blood sugar
  Everyone’s body reacts differently. Check your blood sugar before and after eating it to see how your body reacts to Manuka honey. This will help you determine whether it agrees with you.
• Choose high-quality honey
  When buying Manuka honey, look for certified quality: – such as through laboratory analyses and clear information on the MGO value. Reputable suppliers also specify the origin and ensure transparent traceability. This way, you can be sure you’re getting genuine Manuka honey.
• Avoid combining it with foods high in sugar
  When you eat Manuka honey, it’s best to pair it with protein or fiber (e.g., yogurt, nuts, or whole-grain bread). This will help your blood sugar rise more slowly.
• Consult your doctor
  If you have diabetes and/or are taking insulin or other medications, we recommend that you consult your doctor before using Manuka honey. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical advice and is intended solely for general guidance. Only your doctor can determine on an individual basis whether Manuka honey is suitable for you and, if so, in what quantity.
• Wound treatment only under medical supervision:When it comes to treating wounds, use honey only as directed by a doctor. There are special, certified medical devices (e.g., Manuka honey processed for medical use) that are intended for this purpose.

 

Tips for Buying High-Quality Manuka Honey

If you want to buy Manuka honey, you should take a close look. The market is vast, and there are many blended products that don't actually contain the MGO content listed on the label.

When making a purchase, be sure to consider the following criteria:

• Certified MGO rating: Look for ratings such as 100+, 250+, 400+, or 550+. The higher the rating, the higher the MGO content and the more intense the flavor. The MGO content must be verified by a laboratory.
• Lab-tested: High-quality Manuka honeys are also tested in the lab for pesticides, varietal purity, and other quality characteristics.
• Traceability: With reputable suppliers, you can trace your Manuka honey back to the harvest site using a QR code.
• Sustainable packaging: Here at Manuka Valley, we offer our premium honey in a darkened glass jar with a bamboo lid. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, and the jars can be recycled.

 

Manuka Honey for People with Diabetes in Everyday Life

Even if you have diabetes, you don't have to give up sweet flavors entirely. You can use Manuka honey sparingly and strategically to enhance the flavor of your meals.

Here are a few ideas:

• Half a teaspoon in tea or an herbal infusion
• A little plain yogurt with nuts and berries
• For sweetening oatmeal or porridge
• In small amounts in homemade dressings or marinades

This way, you can enjoy the unique flavor of Manuka honey without unnecessarily raising your blood sugar.

 

Conclusion – Is Manuka honey suitable for people with diabetes?

The answer to the question“Is Manuka honey suitable for people with diabetes?” is: Yes, in moderation, but with caution.

If you enjoy small amounts, monitor your blood sugar regularly, and pay attention to quality, you can consciously incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine. It has a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar and is more concentrated, so you often need less to achieve the same level of sweetness. The characteristic, slightly spicy flavor of Manuka honey— when used in moderation—makes it a special and enjoyable addition to your diet.

Note: This article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have diabetes or other health issues, please consult your doctor before using Manuka honey.