Type 2 diabetes: The sweet ingredient shown to improve blood sugar regulation

Countryfile: Helen Skelton discusses British honey

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Diabetes is a condition that compromises the ability of your body to regulate blood sugar levels.

The prevalence of the condition has increased due to the growing consumption of processed foods and sugars in our diets.

Diabetes is linked to increased risk from heart disease, fatty liver disease, and a number of other metabolic conditions.

Honey has been identified by some studies as a natural source of sugars that can combat several of these metabolic conditions.

A review published in the journal  Nutrients identified honey has anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension and anti-obesity properties.

It raises insulin sensitivity, which is dulled in type 2 diabetics.

The low glycaemic index on the food limits weight gain and fat storage from eating it.

The antioxidants it contains can combat inflammation, a common symptom for metabolic diseases. 

Studies have also looked at the effect of honey on cholesterol levels.

A meta-analysis conducted last year compiled the available data from human trials of honey for cholesterol.

The analysis concluded that honey consumption does not affect cholesterol.

The authors note that the available evidence they had to work with was of mixed and often low quality.

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Honey should still be consumed in moderation in order to prevent it from doing harm.

Diets that are low in carbohydrates and sugars play an important role in managing diabetes and similar conditions.

Additionally honey can be adulterated, in which it is diluted with cheaper sugar syrups.

The health outcomes of this can depend on what type of sugar is added to the honey.

Researchers have also speculated that honey could play a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Honey is high in fructose, a form of sugar with a stronger taste and a lower impact on blood sugar.

There is some evidence that fructose can lower blood sugar levels in diabetic animals.

Animals fed foods with fructose saw an increased absorption of other sugars from the blood.

There are non-dietary factors that impact your likelihood of developing diabetes.

Diabetes UK notes that age, ethnicity and family history can all play a role in your chance of developing the condition.

People diagnosed with high blood pressure are also at greater risk.

Being overweight or obese is another factor impacted by lifestyle that increases diabetes risk.

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