Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

8/25/03

Q:
I have not had a blood fasting test to determine my blood sugar. My last finger prick was 220 and my doctor said I was diabetic but I had a cup of tea w/honey and coffee w/honey an hour prior. Could the honey raise my sugar level?

A:
Yes, honey will do that, but if one does NOT have diabetes, it will not become so elevated. We generally put 140mg/dl as the upper threshold for "normal" blood sugars. Fasting levels we like to generally see under 100; around 80 is the average "normal." A random single test of 220 would indicate diabetes. Taking a Glucose Tolerance Test will show your blood sugars excursions over the specified period, usually 2 hours with 4 readings. By now, you may have these results in and are embarking on the path to management. Seek as much support as you need here to begin this journey where achieving a good health state is possible.