Analysis by research teams at Washington University and Tufts University
9.8% of type 2 diabetes is attributed to sugary beverages
1.2 million new cardiovascular cases annually
According to a study, sugary beverages like carbonated drinks and fruit juices contribute to 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease annually worldwide.
Professor Laura Lara-Castrillo from Washington University and Professor Dariush Mozaffarian from Tufts University published these findings in the medical journal Nature Medicine, as announced on January 6 (local time).
The research team stated, “This means that about 1 in 10 new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1 in 30 new cases of cardiovascular disease result from sugary beverage consumption,” highlighting the urgent need for global interventions to reduce the intake of such drinks.
Consumption of sugary drinks like soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks is significantly rising, especially in developing countries alongside economic development. These sweet beverages are quickly digested, offering little nutritional value while rapidly raising blood sugar levels. Regular long-term consumption can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
However, few studies have quantitatively analyzed the global health impact of sugary beverages, as noted by the research team.
The researchers analyzed data on sugary beverage consumption and rates of obesity and diabetes to estimate the burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributed to sugary drinks in 184 countries for the years 1990 and 2020.
The results showed that, in 2020, sugary beverage consumption was responsible for 2.2 million cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million cases of cardiovascular disease worldwide. This accounts for 9.8% of all new type 2 diabetes cases and 3.1% of cardiovascular disease cases.
Country-wise, sugary beverages accounted for 48.1% of diabetes cases in Colombia, 30.0% in Mexico, and 27.6% in South Africa, indicating a significant impact in these countries.
Professor Mozaffarian, a co-corresponding author of the paper, noted, “Sugary beverages are heavily consumed in low- and middle-income countries, yet these nations are often unprepared for the long-term health consequences of such consumption.”