Quiz

13.08.26

Guess the Glucose Challenge

Guess the Glucose Challenge

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can play an important and effective role in managing dehydration.1 However, because ORS contain glucose, some clinicians may worry whether they are suitable for their patients on low‑sugar diets (e.g., people with diabetes).2

But how much glucose is really in an ORS such as Hydralyte?

Can you correctly pick which item contains less sugar per serving?

0 of 8 answered

Round 1 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 2 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 3 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 4 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 5 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 6 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 7 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Round 8 of 8

Which contains less sugar?

Your score

0 out of 8

Glucose content per serving

Hydralyte Powder2.9 g / 200 mL
Unsweetened oat milk3 g / 200 mL
Unsweetened coconut water6 g / 200 mL
Almonds9 g / 1 cup
Small latte9 g / 230 mL
Blueberries14 g / 1 cup
Whole banana17 g
Whole apple17 g
Unsweetened apple juice20 g / 200 mL

Not to scale. Based on average sugar content per serving, not a direct comparison.

ORS have less sugar than you may think and are suitable for people with diabetes1,2

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that ORS formulations contain only 1.35 g of glucose per 100 mL, which is less than many everyday foods.1,3 With this small amount of glucose, some ORS may be considered carbohydrate-free, depending on the specific product.*2

Unlike other electrolyte or sports drinks that may contain sugar for energy intake or taste, the small and precise amount of glucose present in true ORS formulations is designed to activate the sodium‑glucose cotransporter (SGLT1).1,4 These SGLT1 pumps create an osmotic gradient to facilitate rapid rehydration that’s faster than water alone.4-6

Clinicians can feel confident recommending true ORS formulations based on the WHO guidelines, such as Hydralyte, to patients with diabetes, as well as other at‑risk groups (e.g., older patients) who may struggle with oral fluid intake.

Glucose content in Hydralyte products:

Powder Sachets 2.9 g per 200 mL

Effervescent Tablets (x2) 3.2 g per 200 mL

Ice Blocks 1.0 g per ice block

Related resources

Clinical Bites Series: Diabetes Sick Day Management

Bite-sized videos offering practical sick day management advice, featuring CDE Deb Hawthorne.

Watch videos

Sip to Stand: Why Hydration is Essential in POTS

Key information to support hydration management in POTS.

Read article

Hydralyte Patient Leaflet

A helpful fact sheet to ensure appropriate ORS use and guide product selection.

Download

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*When used as directed. ORS carbohydrate content is dose-dependent and may impact blood glucose levels with additional doses.

ORS, oral rehydration solutions; POTS, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; SGLT1, sodium-glucose cotransporter 1; WHO, World Health Organization.

References:

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Oral rehydration salts. Production of the new ORS. 2006. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-FCH-CAH-06.1 (accessed July 2026).
  2. Australian Diabetes Educators Association. Clinical guiding principles for sick day management of adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes: A guide for health professionals, Version 4.1.0 [updated June 2025]. Available from: https://www.ndss.com.au/wp-content/uploads/clinical-guide-sick-day-mngt.pdf (accessed July 2026).
  3. The Concise New Zealand Food Composition Tables, 14th Edition 2021. Available from: https://www.foodcomposition.co.nz/foodfiles/concise-tables/ (accessed July 2026).
  4. Mishra AB. Int J Life Sci Biotechnol Pharm Res. 2025;14(7):516–517.
  5. Jeukendrup AE, et al. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009;6:9.
  6. Wright EM, et al. J Intern Med. 2007;261(1):32–43.

©Care Pharmaceuticals 2026. Hydralyte® is a registered trademark of Care Pharmaceuticals. All rights reserved. August 2026.

This information is intended for use by healthcare professionals only.