DIABETES type 1 tends to be detected shortly after birth, and is caused by problems with the production of insulin. Sufferers need to be careful to ensure blood sugar levels don’t get too high or too low, hypoglycaemia, which can both be life-threatening. If blood sugar levels are low, eating this could help raise them.

Diabetes type 1 sufferers could eat some jelly beans to stop blood sugar levels getting too low, a diabetes doctor has revealed.

Dr David Cavan, writing in his book ‘Take Control of Type 1 Diabetes’, said munching 10 of the sugar-rich morsels would be enough to sufficiently raise blood sugar levels.

“In order to increase blood sugar levels as soon as possible, (during a low blood sugar, hypoglycaemic, event), the ideal option is a sugar-rich food or drink,” he wrote.

Dr Cavan advised consuming a 15 gram sugar-rich snack to help raise blood sugar levels.

For diabetes sufferers, it is important to avoid low blood sugar, hypoglycaemia, as these could be “life-threatening”.

Healthline, a website which advises diabetes sufferers, said severely low blood sugar may lead to seizures and nervous system damage if not treated quickly.