Hi Suffolkboi,
The claims that maple syrup has anti-diabetic properties are stretching the truth somewhat. The “magic ingredient” that has been discovered is that maple syrup contains phenols. These lower blood pressure, which carries a higher risk for diabetics, but although they are present in maple syrup they seem to be at a lower concentration than you find in a glass of red wine or even dark chocolate.
Far from being good for diabetics, have a look at this from the carbohydrates.com website
Not permitted on low carb diets, syrups (like Maple Syrup) are typically 'empty-calorie' foods (high-calorie, minimal nutrition) with no dietary fiber. Moreover, syrup is high in refined carb sugars and high on the Glycemic Index, which means it causes a rapid rise in blood-sugar levels, leading to excessive insulin production and a sudden drop in blood glucose. The longer-term health effects of high-GI foods and consequent unstable blood sugar levels, include hyperglycemia, hyperinsulimia, obesity and other symptoms, known collectively as insulin resistance syndrome. Increased risk of diabetes is another possibility. Bottom line: if you want to lose weight and stay healthy, keep your intake of refined sugar carbs in foods like Maple Syrup, to a sensible minimum.