A recent study has revealed that sugary drinks are a major contributor to the rising global rates of diabetes and heart disease. According to research from Tufts University, consuming sugar-sweetened sodas and juices causes an estimated 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million cases of cardiovascular disease each year.
The findings were published in Nature Medicine and highlight alarming trends across various regions. In Colombia, nearly half of the new diabetes cases were linked to sugary beverages, while in Mexico, around 30% of diabetes cases were attributed to them. In Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, more than 24% and 21% of new diabetes cases, respectively, were caused by sugary drinks.
Health Risks of Sugary Beverages
The research points out that sugary drinks cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels because they are quickly digested. Over time, consuming these drinks can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Men and younger adults appear to be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of sugary drinks, the study found. Tufts University’s Professor Dariush Mozaffarian emphasized that sugar-sweetened beverages are heavily marketed in low- and middle-income countries, where people may not have the resources to cope with the long-term health risks.
Impact on Global Health
In South Africa, the study found that more than 27% of new diabetes cases and 14.6% of heart disease cases were linked to sugary drinks. The study also revealed that approximately 65% of adults in the United States consume sugary drinks daily, further emphasizing the widespread impact.
Registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, who was not involved in the study, said the findings are not surprising. Diets high in added sugars are known to increase the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. She also explained that sugary drinks provide little satisfaction and are easy to overconsume, leading to excess calorie intake and weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
Urgent Action Needed
The study’s authors urge urgent action to curb sugary drink consumption. They advocate for public health campaigns, advertising regulations, and taxes on sugary drinks. Mexico’s sugary drink tax, implemented in 2014, has shown some success in reducing consumption.
Professor Mozaffarian called for more action in regions like Latin America and Africa, where sugary drink consumption is high, and the health consequences are severe. “As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption,” he stated.
The research, supported by organizations such as the Gates Foundation and the American Heart Association, highlights the importance of reducing sugary beverage intake to improve overall health and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Read more:
- Men And Diabetes: Understanding The Gender-Specific Health Risks
- Sugary Drinks Fuel Diabetes And Heart Disease: A Growing Global Health Crisis
- What Are The Different Types Of Diabetes?
