The consumption of sugary drinks is linked to 9.8% of new cases of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) annually, contributing to approximately 2.2m cases worldwide. These beverages are also linked to 1.2m new cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases each year, or 3.1% of the global total, according to a study published in Nature Medicine.
The researchers analysed data from the Global Dietary Database of 184 countries between 1990 and 2020 and assessed the effects of beverages with at least 50 kcal/240 mL serving, including commercial or homemade sugary drinks, soft drinks, energy drinks, industrialized fruit juices, punches and lemonades. However, 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices and calorie-free beverages containing artificial sweeteners were excluded from the study.
The study revealed that developing nations are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by these products. Latin America and the Caribbean are the most affected, with 24% of new global cases of T2D and over 11% of cases of CVD linked to the consumption of sugar-added beverages. Colombia and Mexico were the leading contributors, with 48% and 30% of new cases of diabetes linked to these beverages, respectively. Sub-Saharan Africa follows, with 21.5% of new cases of T2D and 10.5% of CVD cases linked to sugar-sweetened beverages.
The authors concluded that rising incomes in developing nations have made sugary drinks more accessible, fuelling increased consumption. While patterns vary by region, young adults and men face greater health risks than women and older adults. As consumption has declined in high-income countries, beverage companies have shifted their marketing efforts toward emerging markets.
The authors urge strengthening regulatory strategies and introducing measures to safeguard the health of these populations, such as establishing taxes on these products.
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