David Baer a research physiologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed how insulin resistance, a sign that glucose metabolism is breaking down, is not only related to diabetes, but also to obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke and hypertension.

"Controlling blood sugar is critically important for diabetics and maintaining good insulin sensitivity reduces the risk for diabetes in at-risk people," Baer said in a statement.

"Experimental evidence suggests that consumption of honey compared to some other sweeteners may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity."

In addition, researchers are exploring honey's potential to improve chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, wound healing, restorative sleep, cough suppression and cognitive function.