A groundbreaking study from the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, published in Nature Medicine, estimates that the global consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease each year.
The toll is particularly severe in developing countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, sugar-sweetened beverages account for over 21% of all new diabetes cases annually. In Latin America and the Caribbean, nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and over 11% of new cardiovascular disease cases are tied to sugary drinks.
Countries like Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa are among the hardest hit. In Colombia, more than 48% of new diabetes cases are linked to sugary drink consumption. In Mexico, nearly one-third of all new diabetes cases are attributable to sugary beverages and in South Africa, sugary drinks contribute to 27.6% of new diabetes cases and 14.6% of new cardiovascular cases.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are rapidly absorbed by the body, causing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels while providing little nutritional value. Over time, regular consumption can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other metabolic issues that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease—two of the leading causes of death worldwide.
These sugary beverages are heavily marketed and sold in low- and middle-income countries. These communities are not only consuming harmful products but are also less equipped to manage the long-term health consequences, as pointed out by the study authors.
As incomes rise in developing nations, sugary beverages become more accessible and desirable. The study highlights that men and younger adults are particularly vulnerable to the health consequences of these drinks.
Study authors highlight the need for evidence-based interventions to curb global consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages before even more lives are lost to diabetes and heart disease. They advocate for a comprehensive approach to combat the issue, including public health campaigns to raise awareness of the risks associated with sugary drinks, regulation of advertising to limit the promotion of these beverages and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, an intervention already implemented in some countries. For example, Mexico introduced a tax on sugary drinks in 2014, leading to a significant reduction in consumption, particularly among lower-income populations.
Much more needs to be done, especially in countries in Latin America and Africa where consumption is high and the health consequences are severe. This research highlights the critical importance of policy changes and public health initiatives to reduce the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease worldwide.
Source: Tufts University
Image Credit: iStock
References:
Lara-Castor L et al. (2025) Burdens of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages in 184 countries. Nature Medicine.