Graham Liney, who lives about two hours from Canberra, in Laggan, brought Almera to Australia for Dutch potato cooperative Agrico.

He said it was unique.

"Once you have diabetes you're told you cannot eat potatoes because most potatoes are high-GI [glycaemic index]," he said.

"Almira is unique and someone with diabetes type2 can eat 150-200g per serve ... because it won't push their blood sugar levels up."

The glycaemic index of a food indicates its effect on blood-glucose levels.

Carbohydrates with low GI release energy slowly so you stay fuller for longer and maintain steady energy levels. Diabetics are advised to avoid high-GI foods, which give the body an instant energy hit and send blood sugar on a roller-coaster ride.

Almira is available in Australia in small quantities on a seasonal basis.

But Mr Liney estimated there would be between 40,000 and 50,000 tonnes in grocery stores around the country by 2010.

He said growers favoured Almera because it was a high-yield crop and required 20pc less water than conventional potatoes.

"There's absolutely no genetic modification. It's all done through traditional breeding programs."

Dr Alan Barclay, chief scientific officer of the Glycaemic Index Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that conducts research into the glycaemic index and health, said it was an important addition to Australian tables.

"We're really excited by finding a range of low-glycaemic index potatoes," he said.

"There's a desperate need for this. It's going to be a huge benefit not only for Australians but people around the world."

According to Diabetes Australia statistics, diabetes is the country's fastest-growing chronic illness, with 275 people a day being diagnosed with it.

Dr Barclay said that by 2025 an estimated 380million people worldwide would have diabetes, but it could be alleviated through a change of lifestyle and a healthy diet.