This assessment in fact estimates 2.2 million, the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease every year recorded around the world, due to the consumption of sugary drinks.
The concern also applies to developing countries
In these countries, the number of cases is particularly worrying:
- in sub-Saharan Africa, sugary drinks contribute to more than 21% of all new cases of diabetes;
- in Latin America and the Caribbean, almost 24% of new cases of diabetes and more than 11% of new cases of cardiovascular disease;
- Colombia, Mexico and South Africa are countries that are not spared: more than 48% of all new cases of diabetes in Colombia are attributable to the consumption of sugary drinks. This is the case for 1 third of all new cases of diabetes in Mexico. In South Africa, 28% of new cases of diabetes and 15% of cases of cardiovascular disease are attributable to sugary drinks.
A simple reminder of the biological and metabolic mechanisms: the authors, nutritionists, point out that sugary drinks are quickly digested, which leads to an increase in blood sugar levels while providing very low nutritional value. Regular consumption over time leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a host of metabolic factors that promote type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
One of the lead authors, Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School, comments on this assessment: “Sugary drinks are widely marketed and sold in low- and middle-income countries. Not only do more disadvantaged communities consume them in quantity, but they also often have less access to health care.”
Researchers call for a multi-pronged approachincluding public health campaigns, advertising regulation and taxes on sugary drinks.
“Much more needs to be done, particularly in poorer countries and communities where consumption is high and health consequences are more pronounced.”
