Sugary Drinks Linked to Millions of Global Diabetes and Heart Disease Cases Annually

A new study estimates over 330,000 deaths each year from conditions tied to sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.

The study published in *Nature Medicine* attributes 2.2 million new diabetes cases and 1.2 million new heart disease cases annually to sugary drink consumption worldwide.
Researchers estimate over 330,000 deaths per year from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases linked to these beverages.
Regions like Latin America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa face disproportionately high impacts, with sugary drinks contributing to nearly a quarter of new diabetes cases in some areas.
Experts highlight the rapid digestion of liquid sugars, which causes blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and metabolic issues, exacerbating chronic health risks.
The study advocates for public health measures such as advertising restrictions, taxes, and education campaigns to reduce consumption, citing Mexico's successful tax implementation as an example.