This article discusses a study on how sugary drinks cause an increase in Type 2 diabetes and heart diseases worldwide.
The consumption of sugary drinks or sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)—such as sodas, fruit drinks, and energy drinks—has been linked to serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like strokes and heart attacks.
Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases affect the body simultaneously, from the brain to the toes.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death globally. While diabetes ranks lower in the top ten causes of death, many who die of cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and strokes have underlying diabetes and prediabetes.
A recent global study highlights the extent of the burden of these drinks, providing valuable insights into their public health implications and offering guidance for interventions.
The Numbers: Sugary Drinks and Health Risks
In 2020, the study estimated that globally:
- 2.2 million new cases of T2D (9.8% of all cases) were directly attributable to sugary drink consumption.
- 1.2 million new cases of CVD (3.1% of all cases) were linked to sugary drink intake.
- These conditions led to over 340,000 deaths from sugary drink-related T2D and CVD.
The burden of disease was not evenly distributed across the globe:
- Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest proportional impact, with sugary drinks accounting for 24.4% of T2D cases and 11.3% of CVD cases.
- Sub-Saharan Africa also showed alarming increases, with 21.5% of T2D cases and 10.5% of CVD cases linked to SSBs.
Why Are Sugary Drinks So Harmful?
Sugary drinks contain added sugars and deliver 50 or more calories per 8-ounce serving.
They include soft drinks, fruit punches, energy drinks, and homemade sugary beverages, but they exclude 100% fruit juices and artificially sweetened drinks.
The study’s findings reveal several key points:
- High Sugar Content: Regular sugary drink consumption leads to weight gain and obesity, major risk factors for T2D and CVD.
- Direct Effects: In addition to weight gain, sugary drinks negatively impact blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and other metabolic processes.
- Widespread Consumption: In 2020, adults globally consumed an average of 2.6 servings per week, with regional variations. For instance:
- In Latin America and the Caribbean, the average was 7.3 servings per week.
- In South Asia, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, it was only 0.7 servings per week.
Who Is Most Affected?
Sugary drink-related health burdens are not evenly distributed. Certain groups are disproportionately impacted:
- Gender: Men consume more sugary drinks and face a higher burden of disease than women.
- Age: Younger adults have the highest proportional risk, though absolute burdens increase with age.
- Urban vs. Rural: Urban populations consume more sugary drinks and suffer greater health consequences.
- Education: Higher-educated individuals are more affected in some regions, likely due to greater access to sugary beverages.
Trends Over Time: 1990 to 2020
The study found that the burden of disease from SSBs has grown significantly:
- Sub-Saharan Africa saw the largest increase in T2D (+8.8%) and CVD (+4.4%) cases attributable to sugary drinks.
- Conversely, some regions, like Latin America and high-income countries, experienced slight decreases due to public health interventions.
What Can Be Done?
The findings highlight the urgent need for action:
- Public Policies: Many countries like Mexico and South Africa have implemented sugary drinks to curb consumption. These taxes can also encourage manufacturers to reformulate products with less sugar.
- Education Campaigns: Increasing awareness of the health risks associated with sugary drinks is essential, particularly in high-risk regions.
- Access to Alternatives: Promoting clean drinking water and healthier beverage options can reduce dependency on sugary drinks. Many countries consume a lot of sugary drinks due to a lack of clean drinking water.
- Advertising Regulations: Restricting the marketing of sugary drinks, especially to younger audiences, is critical.
A Global Call to Action
This study highlights the significant role sugar-sweetened beverages play in the global epidemic of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Knowing the burden of sugary drink-related health risks provides a roadmap for targeted interventions, emphasizing the need for global, regional, and national strategies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy drinks.
As consumers, we can also play a role by choosing healthier beverages and not buying sugary drinks. Together, we can address this preventable health crisis and lower our risk of diabetes and heart disease.
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Reference:
- Cudhea, Frederick, et al. “Burdens of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Attributable to Sugar-sweetened Beverages in 184 Countries.” Nature Medicine, 2025, pp. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03345-4. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
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