Sugary drinks changes affect diabetes hypo recovery

30^th May 2017 -- While a reduction in the amount of sugar in soft drinks is good news for most people, Diabetes UK is warning it could catch out people who need a sugar boost after a 'hypo'.

Sugar tax

Manufacturers are changing recipes for many soft drinks to help tackle obesity, after prompting from health officials and campaigners.

Lower sugar drinks will also save the drinks industry from paying extra costs under the forthcoming sugar tax levy.

Hypo recovery

When a person with diabetes experiences a drop in blood sugar - called hypoglycaemia - or a hypo - it is important to eat or drink something sugary straight away.

However, the soft drinks people are used to having on hand for emergencies may be changing.

For example, since April, Lucozade, a popular energy drink used for hypo recovery now contains 50% less sugar - but old stock may still be in shops alongside new bottles for a period of time.

Diabetes UK is advising people with diabetes to always check the label first for sugar content - and to check with their diabetes nurse or care team if they have concerns about how much more to drink with the updated recipes.

Sugar content changes in drinks may also affect people undergoing an oral glucose tolerance test.