The nationwide Co-operative Group has already agreed to phase the treats out of its 500 supermarkets and pharmacies and the charity wants other retailers to follow suit.

Experts say diets with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are best for people with or without the condition and diabetic treats such as low-sugar chocolate, jam and soft drinks, which became popular in the 1960s focused on eating a sugar-free, low-carbohydrate diet.

Diabetes UK says as such foods do not contain sugar and are promoted as being 'suitable for diabetics', many believe it is appropriate to eat large quantities, but many so-called diabetic foods are high in fat and are therefore unadvisable in large quantities for people with or without diabetes.

Food manufacturers commonly use sugar alcohols and bulk sweeteners, instead of sucrose, to make sugar-free products and though less of such goods are seen in stores today many leading chains still stock a limited range.

Foods which contain sweeteners affect blood glucose levels in much the same way as sugar, and therefore offer no nutritional benefit.

Diabetes UK advises sufferers to eat small amounts of ordinary versions as part of a healthy balanced diet the same advice that applies to everyone.

Trials with Galvus produced equally impressive results and a combo diabetes treatment of Galvus and Actos (Takeda Pharmaceutical), saw two-thirds of patients in a large trial adequately control their diabetes, while taken alone, both drugs helped only 43% of patients reach that goal.

A comparative trial with Galvus and Avandia (GlaxoSmithKline) showed that severely obese patients in the study who took Galvus managed to lose weight.

Drug company Novartis has announced that it plans to conduct a series of "mega trials," dubbed "GLORIUS," to prove the benefits of the drug.

At present there appears to be little between the two drugs but it is expected drug makers will ultimately replace medicines such as Glucovance as first-line treatments against diabetes.

A decision on Januvia is expected by the FDA by October, three months earlier than Galvus, and though both drugs are being promoted as once-a-day treatments, experts consider Januvia's one a day therapy is probably the better choice in that regard as Galvus to be as effective as Januvia needs to be taken twice a day.

The research was presented at the American Diabetes Association scientific meeting in Washington.