This Morning: Type 2 diabetes can be 'devastating' says expert
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Blood sugar – the main type of sugar found in blood – supplies the body with energy and provides nutrients to its organs, muscles and nervous system. However, too much sugar in your blood can seriously damage parts of your body. If you have diabetes, the scales are tipped towards having high blood sugar levels because your pancreas is not performing properly. Summer drinking can play havoc on all of this due to the high amount of sugar hidden in some of your favourite cider drinks.
Many people will be throwing caution to the wind when it comes to being finally being out of lockdown and indulging in some sweet treats including sugary alcoholic beverages, ice creams and sweets.
This could have a dire effect on blood sugar levels.
The recommended daily sugar intake for an adult according to health experts is 30g, which roughly equates to seven whole sugar cubes.
Considering the sugar content in many alcohol drinks especially ciders, it may make Britons feel uneasy knowing what they’re really drinking and how this could affect their bodies.
Experts warn that enjoying a fruity cider drink or five could be one of the biggest culprits for blood sugar levels.
According to Dental Excellence findings, a standard 500ml bottle of Pear Kopparberg cider contains 53g of sugar – which is equivalent to two and a half glazed Krispy Kreme donuts.
While a 500ml bottle of Rekorderlig Strawberry & lime cider contains the same amount of sweetness as a generous slice of chocolate cake.
Following close behind is the classic Strawberry and Lime Kopparberg cider which contains more sugar than two Classic Magnum Ice Creams.
Finally, Thatchers Haze Cloudy Somerset Cider with 50g of sugar, is more than a 100g bag of Haribo Starmix.
Ten ciders with the highest sugar contents include:
- Kopparberg Pear Cider- 215 calories (500ml; 4.5 percent) 53g (per 100ml 10.2g).
- Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime – 330 calories (500ml; 4.0 percent) 50.5g of sugar per bottle (10.1g sugar per 100ml).
- Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime – 275 calories (500ml; 4.0 percent) 50.5g of sugar per bottle (10.1g sugar per 100ml).
- Thatchers Haze Cloudy Somerset Cider – 245 calories (500ml; 4.5 percent) 50g of sugar – (10g of sugar per 100ml).
- Kopparberg Mixed Fruits – 275 calories (500ml; 4.0 percent) – 46g of sugar (9.2g of sugar per 100ml).
- Bulmers Crushed Red Berries & Lime Cider – 275 calories (500ml; 4.0 percent) 28g of sugar (5.6g of sugar per 100ml).
- Magners Pear Irish Cider – 235 calories (500ml; 4.5 percent) 24g of sugar (4.8g of sugar per 100ml).
- Strongbow Dark Fruit Cider – 200 calories (500ml; 4.0 percent) 22.5g of sugar (4.5g per 100ml).
- Strongbow Cloudy Apple Cider – 230 calories (500ml; 4.4 percent) 21.5g of sugar (4.3g per 100ml).
- Thatchers Gold Somerset Cider – 230 calories (500ml; 4.8 percent) 20.5g (4.1g of sugar per 100ml).
What the experts said
Dr Harrison Child from Dental Excellence said: “With the lockdown restrictions easing we are all looking forward to enjoying a few drinks with friends this summer, but we still need to be mindful of what we’re consuming.
“Sugar is enormously damaging to teeth, and regular exposure causes acid attacks which can lead to caries (holes), dental pain and even tooth extractions.
“We advise you to choose low sugar or sugar free alternatives and limit the amount you’re drinking.”
GP and Medical Adviser at Prescription Doctor, Dr Aragona Gisueppe added: “Consuming too many alcoholic drinks can have a hugely damaging effect on your health.
“Alcohol can lead to addiction, weight gain and obesity and further health problems such as heart disease, as well as Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.”
“The change in weather and the fact that we will be out of lockdown will no doubt bring about a change in our usual habits, including going out to eat, drink and generally be merry,” said Dr Sarah Brewer.
“Although it’s great to let loose and enjoy those long summer evenings, it’s important for people to be aware of how these habits can impact glucose levels and that if left undiagnosed, diabetes can be dangerous.
“When glucose levels are persistently raised, glucose molecules become irreversibly bound to proteins in the circulation.
“This damages small and large blood vessel and hastens hardening and furring up of the arteries.
“Because glucose can’t enter muscle and fat cells properly, cell metabolism also becomes abnormal, and this can contribute to rising blood pressure and cholesterol imbalances.
“If blood glucose levels rise above a certain level, sugar is lost in the urine leading to weight loss and dehydration.
“Very high blood glucose levels (as can occur especially with type 1 diabetes) can result in a dangerous condition known as ketoacidosis which arises due to a combination of the dehydration and abnormal cell metabolism.”
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