Criticism of Diabetes UK has followed their decision to accept £500,000 in sponsorship from Britvic, makers of the fizzy drinks Tango and Pepsi, which the charity has identified as contributing to the current diabetes epidemic.

Doctors have described the arrangement as “appalling” and as undermining trust in the charity from sufferers of the disease, as well as losing the charity credibility.

There have been calls for the charity’s CEO Chris Askew to give the money back. The funding policy for Diabetes UK states: “No commercial partnership will be entered into with a company whose product or service is considered to be detrimental to those living with, or at risk of diabetes.”