Real maple syrup has a glycemic index of 54 in comparison to 65 for table sugar. As a result, maple syrup may raise blood sugar slightly more slowly than regular sugar, but any sugar still raises blood sugar. In comparing the glycemic index of different sugars, researchers have determined that eating maple syrup causes a lower rise in blood glucose (sugar) levels than white sugar, corn syrup or brown-rice syrup and they've given maple syrup a lower glycemic index, similar to honey, molasses and agave syrup.  It is important to note that there's a big difference between pure maple syrup and corn syrup that's maple flavored, which is what many cheaper kinds are. Flavored syrups are not real maple syrup and lack all the health benefits of maple syrup.