Sugary drinks responsible for one in ten cases of diabetes worldwide – rts.ch

For this studyscientists used data from 184 countries from the Global Dietary Database and other surveys, as well as a special model taking into account different factors such as average consumption and health risks.

Results: In 2020, 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cardiovascular diseases worldwide were attributable to sugary drinks, corresponding to 9.8% of all new cases of diabetes type 2 and 3.1% of all new cases of cardiovascular disease.

Switzerland slightly above average

In Switzerland, the consumption of sodas, lemonades and energy drinks was considered responsible for 3,750 type 2 diabetes cases, or 10.5% of cases, said Laura Lara-Castor of Tufts University in Boston (USA), lead author of the study. ‘study. Slightly above average, Switzerland’s figures are comparable to those of other European countries such as Germany, Austria, Spain and Sweden.

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Commercial interests and lack of water

However, these figures are significantly higher for Latin America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa. According to the study, 24.4% of all diabetes cases in Latin America are attributable to sugary drinks, and 21.5% in sub-Saharan Africa.

Country-wise, Colombia tops the list: almost half (48.1%) of all diabetes cases in the country in 2020 are attributed to the consumption of sugary drinks. Latin countries also lead when it comes to per capita consumption of sugary drinks.

The scientists cite multinational and local business interests as “likely drivers” of this phenomenon in the study. Thus, companies would encourage the consumption of their products through targeted marketing, while blocking political measures aimed at reducing consumption.

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Additionally, scientists say, the lack of clean water in countries like Mexico and Colombia compounds the problem, as sugary drinks are often consumed as a substitute.

Deleterious effects almost stabilized, except in Africa

Between 1990 and 2020, the proportion of diabetes cases attributable to sugary drinks increased by 1.3% globally. According to Laura Lara-Castor, a slight increase (0.6%) was also recorded in Switzerland. During this period, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases caused by sugary drinks, on the other hand, remained stable on a global scale and even decreased by 0.1% in Switzerland.

However, scientists have noted large differences depending on the region. It was in sub-Saharan Africa that the increase was greatest: the share of cases of type 2 diabetes caused by sugary drinks increased by 8.8%, that of cardiovascular diseases by 4.4%.

Westernized diet to blame

The study authors attribute these results to a “change in diet.” Traditional, often healthier diets have shifted in this and other regions toward more Western diets, high in processed foods, sugar and fat.

Effective policy measures are needed, say the authors. In addition to taxes on sugary drinks, the study proposes mandatory labeling, regulation of the marketing of sodas and an improvement in the supply of drinking water.

More than 200 institutions from around the world participated in this international study, including the University Hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne, for Switzerland.

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