Study Links Softdrinks to Millions of Diabetes and Heart Disease Cases Globally

New research estimates that sugary beverages contributed to 2.2 million diabetes and 1.2 million heart disease cases in 2020, prompting calls for stricter regulations and taxes.

An international study published in *Nature Medicine* analyzed the health impact of sugary drinks using data from 184 countries between 1990 and 2020.
The research estimates that 2.2 million new cases of Type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of heart disease in 2020 were linked to sugary beverage consumption.
Regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean were found to have the highest rates of health issues tied to these drinks, with countries like Mexico, Colombia, and South Africa particularly affected.
The study highlights that sugary drinks provide high calorie intake with little nutritional value, contributing to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues.
Researchers advocate for public health campaigns, stricter advertising regulations, and taxes on sugary drinks, similar to the UK's 2018 'sugar tax,' which has reduced consumption and prompted manufacturers to lower sugar content.