Study links sugar-laden drinks to millions of cases of heart disease and diabetes each year

From sodas to energy drinks, the consumption of sugary drinks already linked to more than 2.2 million new cases of diabetes and 1.1 million new cases of heart disease each year, raising concerns about the health risks these drinks bring to table.

The problem is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, where sugar-laden drinks are aggressively marketed and often more readily available than healthier alternatives. In Latin America and the Caribbean, almost 24% of new cases of type 2 diabetes in 2020 are attributed to the consumption of sugary drinks.

Similarly, sub-Saharan Africa experienced the highest percentage increase in diabetes cases over three decades, with sugary drinks contributing to 21 percent of new diabetes cases and 11 percent of heart disease cases, the study highlights. The health hazards of sugary drinks come from their composition.

Full of sugar but with no nutritional value, these drinks cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Over time, this leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a cascade of metabolic issues that pave the way for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 is preventable, which makes this trend especially concerning. The marketing strategies of beverage companies only exacerbate the issue. In many urban centers, social media influencers promoting sugary drinks target young people, filling an information gap due to insufficient nutrition education.

As a result, consumption continues to rise, putting more pressure on health care systems that are ill-equipped to manage the long-term consequences of these preventable diseases. There are solutions, of course. Public health campaigns, taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, and stricter advertising regulations have proven effective in some countries.

For example, Mexico introduced a sugar tax in 2014, which helped reduce consumption. However, more needs to be done, especially in regions such as Latin America and Africa, where health impacts are particularly severe. We saw major breakthroughs in the development of diabetes drugsbut solving the issue at its roots can be huge.

Cutting back on sugary drinks isn’t just about dealing with diabetes and heart disease; it’s about creating a healthier future for communities around the world. By addressing the health risks of sugary drinks today, we can provide a healthier future for the next generation.