Sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease globally each year, according to a new study from Tufts University researchers. The impact is particularly severe in developing nations, where these drinks can account for up to half of all new diabetes cases in some countries.
The research, published in Nature Medicine, reveals striking regional disparities in the health effects of sugary drink consumption. In Latin America and the Caribbean, these beverages contribute to nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and over 11% of new cardiovascular disease cases. The situation in Sub-Saharan Africa is equally concerning, with sugar-sweetened beverages linked to more than 21% of all new diabetes cases.
Colombia faces the highest burden, with sugary drinks contributing to more than 48% of new diabetes cases. Mexico and South Africa also show alarming statistics, with nearly one-third of new diabetes cases in Mexico and 27.6% in South Africa attributed to these beverages. South Africa additionally sees 14.6% of its new cardiovascular disease cases linked to sugary drink consumption.
“Sugar-sweetened beverages are heavily marketed and sold in low- and middle-income nations. Not only are these communities consuming harmful products, but they are also often less well equipped to deal with the long-term health consequences,” explains Dariush Mozaffarian, senior author and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School.
The study identifies younger adults and men as particularly vulnerable to the health effects of sugary drinks. These beverages pose a unique health risk because they are rapidly digested, causing blood sugar spikes while offering minimal nutritional value. Over time, regular consumption leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and various metabolic issues associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
“We need urgent, evidence-based interventions to curb consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages globally, before even more lives are shortened by their effects on diabetes and heart disease,” says Laura Lara-Castor, the study’s lead author, who completed her Ph.D. at the Friedman School and is now at the University of Washington.
Some countries have already taken action. Mexico, known for one of the world’s highest per capita rates of sugary drink consumption, implemented a beverage tax in 2014. Early evidence suggests this measure has effectively reduced consumption, particularly among lower-income populations.
However, more comprehensive approaches are needed, according to the researchers, who advocate for public health campaigns, advertising regulation, and additional taxation measures. “Much more needs to be done, especially in countries in Latin America and Africa where consumption is high and the health consequence severe,” Mozaffarian notes, adding, “As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.”
The research, supported by the Gates Foundation, the American Heart Association, and Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology, underscores the growing global health challenge posed by sugary drinks, particularly in regions where healthcare systems may be least prepared to handle the resulting disease burden.