Sugary drinks drive global surge in diabetes and heart disease, study reveals

A new global study published in Nature Medicine reveals that sugary drinks are responsible for over 2.2 million new diabetes cases and 1.1 million heart disease cases annually. The research highlights disproportionate impacts on low- and middle-income countries, where these beverages are heavily marketed.

In 2020, the study says that sugary drinks contributed to 24% of new diabetes cases in Latin America and the Caribbean and 21% in sub-Saharan Africa. Colombia reported the highest impact, with sugary drinks linked to 48% of new diabetes cases.

Mexico and South Africa also face significant burdens, with sugary drinks tied to nearly one-third of new diabetes cases in Mexico and over a quarter in South Africa. Researchers call for stronger public health measures, including taxes, advertising restrictions, and education to curb consumption.