Honey Wheat Bread Carbs and Managing Diabetes

Understanding Carbs in Bread When You Have Diabetes

When you have diabetes, keeping track of the total carbs andnutrients in the foods you eat is important. All breads contain carbs, but some options are better than others when you have diabetes.

Honey wheat bread often gets promoted as a healthier choice. But is it a smart option for people with diabetes looking to control blood sugar and manage carbs effectively?

Why Carb Counting Matters with Diabetes

Carbohydrates raise blood sugar more than protein and fat. Monitoring total carbs helps diabetics keep blood glucose levels in check to prevent complications.

Bread carbs come mainly from starch and wheat flour, broken down quickly into sugar. The more carbs a bread contains, the greater the impact on blood sugar.

How Fiber Content Impacts Carb Effects

Higher fiber slows digestion, resulting in a more gradual, lower rise in blood glucose after eating. Soluble fiber in foods like oats can further blunt spikes.

Generally, breads with more fiber per serving have modest carb counts compared to refined breads low in fiber.

Evaluating Honey Wheat Breads Carb Count

So how many net carbs are actually found in a slice of honey wheat bread?

The average slice (about 1 oz or 28g) contains roughly:

• Total Carbohydrates: 13-17g
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugars: 2-4g

How Honey Wheat Compares to White Bread

White bread contains:

• Total Carbohydrates: About 15-20g per slice
• Dietary Fiber: Less than 1g
• Sugars: Around 2g

So while honey wheat bread is slightly lower in net carbs and sugars, the difference is quite small.

Understanding Net Carbs

Net carbs give a more accurate picture of how a food impacts blood sugar. You calculate them by subtracting fiber grams from total carbs.

Honey wheat bread comes out to about 12-15g net carbs per slice compared to 15-20g net carbs in white bread when you subtract out fiber.

How Honey Wheat Bread Affects Blood Sugar

Looking beyond just carbs and fiber, how does honey wheat bread impact actual blood glucose levels compared to other bread options?

One study tested several different breads, measuring volunteer blood sugar response over a 2 hour period. Results for honey wheat and other bread types included:

• Honey Wheat Bread raised blood sugar to over 160 mg/dL, coming down close to initial baseline level at 2 hour mark.
• Sourdough Bread peaked lower at 140 mg/dL and dropped below starting level after 2 hours
• Sprouted Grain Bread reached only about 110 mg/dL before returning to baseline in 2 hours

So people with diabetes saw slower, lower spikes over time with sprouted and sourdough breads versus honey wheat.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

The Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) also measure how quickly and how much various carb foods boost blood sugar.

Honey wheat bread has a moderate GI around 69 and GL near 10. In comparison, white bread has a very high 75 GI and GL of 15-20.

Tips for Fitting Honey Wheat Bread Into a Diabetes Diet

Used smartly, honey wheat can be part of a healthy diabetes diet in moderation. Heres how to work it in:

Control Portions

Stick to just 1 slice or less to keep carbs and impact in check. Have it alongside protein and healthy fats to balance blood sugar response.

Combine With Vinegar

Having bread with vinegar lowers its glycemic index. Pair your slice with a vinegar-based salad dressing or use vinegar dipping sauces.

Try Lower-Carb Alternatives

Swap all or some white flour for almond flour, coconut flour or Carbquik baking mix to lower net carbs in homemade bread options.

Opt for Sprouted Breads

Try breads made from sprouted whole grains like Ezekiel bread for less than half the carbs, more fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Best and Worst Bread Options for Diabetes Management

While honey wheat bread is decent in moderation, these options have the most and least effects on blood sugar for improved diabetes control:

Best Low-Carb Breads

• Sourdough bread
• 100% stone ground whole wheat
• Pumpernickel bread
• Sprouted whole grain bread
• Light or medium rye bread

Bread Options to Avoid

• White bread
• Bagels
• Crackers
• Biscuits
• Cornbread
• Flaky bakery items like croissants

Following healthy carb limits, counting net carbs and grains, and properly managing blood sugar helps keep diabetes in check.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.