A survey suggests a sugar tax on soft drinks and a fat tax on fast food would have little affect on New Zealander's drinking and eating habits.

Diabetes New Zealand wants the Ministry of Health to take note of a nationwide survey it's released to mark Diabetes Action Month.

Chief Executive Steve Crew said the most shocking revelation is that many New Zealanders just don't want to change their consumption habits.

He said that's very concerning when 260,000 New Zealanders live with diabetes, and an average of 40 are diagnosed everyday.

It shows 39 percent of respondents said they would drink less fizzy if there was a sugar tax, but a 20 percent tax on fizzy drinks would only persuade 19 percent of consumers to buy less of it.

The idea of a fat tax on fast food received similar results. Less than a quarter would alter their purchase frequency if there was a 20 percent tax, however 14 percent would stop buying it all together.

Respondents weren't questioned on how they would react to a much smaller tax.

Steve Crew said it's becoming readily accepted by many of those diagnosed and is becoming far too normalised because many already know someone with it, or have lost someone to it.

He said Diabetes New Zealand hopes food manufacturers and the government will take heed of their figures and advice.

They've released a toolkit that includes helpful tips and advice on nutrition, physical activity and health and wellbeing complete with recipes from Masterchef winners and workouts from Shortland Street actors.

“The Ministry of Health five-year plan for people with diabetes identified that effective self-management was a priority to addressing this epidemic.

Effective management is a priority to addressing this epidemic, the Take Control Toolkit offers a tangible difference."

Respondents also revealed that less than half of those living with diabetes feel they are in control of their condition.

Steve Crew said a third of people feel their condition has a negative impact on their mental wellbeing and they battle to deal with it on their own.

“The reality of diabetes and the complications associated with it, can be consuming.

It's not only a drain on our health system, it is incredibly life-changing and life-limiting for people living with diabetes and that can lead to stress and anxiety, and poor self-care.”