A recent study published in Nature Medicine has highlighted the significant global health risks associated with sugar-sweetened beverages, estimating that they contribute to 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million cases of cardiovascular disease annually.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, analysed data from 184 countries, revealing particularly severe impacts in developing regions.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 21% of new diabetes cases were linked to sugary drinks. In Latin America and the Caribbean, nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and over 11% of cardiovascular disease cases were attributed to these beverages.
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Some of the hardest-hit countries include Colombia, where more than 48% of new diabetes cases were tied to sugary drinks, and Mexico, where nearly one-third of diabetes cases shared this link. In South Africa, sugary beverages accounted for 27.6% of new diabetes cases and 14.6% of cardiovascular disease cases.
Sugary drinks, rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, cause sharp blood sugar spikes without providing essential nutrients. Long-term consumption leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders, significantly increasing the risks of diabetes and heart disease—two leading global causes of death.
The study also found that men and younger adults are more affected by sugary drink consumption than women and older adults.
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The researchers recommend public health campaigns, stricter advertising regulations, and sugar taxes. Countries like Mexico have already implemented sugar taxes, showing promising reductions in consumption, particularly among lower-income groups.
While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy foods with small amounts of added sugar occasionally, minimizing your overall sugar intake can help lower the risk of various health conditions and improve your overall well-being.
If you’re looking to reduce your use of refined sweeteners like white sugar, plenty of alternatives are available. Some of these options are even calorie-free, such as:
