Diabetics in West Norfolk are being given fresh advice on how to treat their condition following a reduction of sugar in soft drinks.
Manufacturers have cut the amount of sugar in their products following the introduction of the Soft Drinks Levy by the Government last year.
Many diabetic patients use sugary drinks to help treat a hypo when their blood glucose levels fall.
Diabetic nurses at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital are now raising awareness of the change and urging patients to check the labels of products.
Diabetic Nurse Vicki Brindle said: “The reduction in sugar is great for the majority of us but it can create a problem for people, who have diabetes, and use these drinks to treat a hypo.
“We are now asking people with diabetes, who are at risk of a hypo, to be aware that their normal hypo treatment may have less sugar. During the transition phase both the old, higher sugar, versions and the new, reduced sugar, versions of products will be side by side on the shelf.
“So we are asking people to remember to check the label and that 15 grams of rapid acting carbs is required to treat a hypo.”
Alternative treatments could be 200mls of Orange Juice, 4-5 Dextrose Tablets or 4 Jelly Babies.
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