From sodas to fruit punches, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have become a staple in diets around the world. But while they may be refreshing, their impact on health is alarming. A new study has revealed that in 2020 alone, sugary drinks were responsible for 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease globally. These numbers account for nearly 10% of all new diabetes cases and over 3% of new heart disease cases that year.
The study analyzed data from 184 countries, tracking how different populations are affected by sugar consumption. It found that regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa are seeing the worst health effects, with the highest rates of sugar-driven illnesses. Understanding these trends is critical for shaping policies that could help reduce sugar consumption and prevent millions of future cases of disease.
How Sugary Drinks Contribute to Disease
Unlike solid foods, liquid sugar is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This process triggers the release of insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. When sugar intake is excessive, the body becomes resistant to insulin, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sugary drinks also contribute to weight gain, which is one of the strongest risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. When people consume liquid sugar, they often don’t feel full in the same way they would after eating solid food. This leads to overconsumption of calories, which can result in fat buildup around the liver and other organs. Over time, this contributes to metabolic disorders, inflammation, and plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The study found that men are more affected than women, younger adults more than older ones, and people living in cities more than those in rural areas. Interestingly, the research also shows that in some parts of the world, people with higher education levels consume more sugary drinks than those with less education. This is particularly true in Latin America and Africa, where the rising middle class has greater access to processed foods and sugary beverages.
Among the hardest-hit regions, Latin America and the Caribbean have the highest percentage of new diabetes and cardiovascular disease cases linked to sugary drinks. In sub-Saharan Africa, where sugary drink consumption has risen sharply in recent years, disease rates are also increasing. In contrast, some high-income countries, such as the U.S. and the U.K., have seen slight declines in sugar-related diseases, likely due to efforts like soda taxes and public health campaigns.
Why Sugar Consumption Is Rising in Some Regions
Many developing nations have seen a surge in sugar consumption as global beverage companies expand their markets. In places where access to clean drinking water is limited, sugary drinks often become a more accessible alternative. Aggressive marketing strategies also play a role, targeting younger consumers and making sugary drinks a status symbol.
Economic growth has allowed more people to afford processed foods and beverages, but without adequate education on their health risks, consumption continues to rise. This shift in diet, known as the "nutrition transition," is happening in many low- and middle-income countries, where traditional diets are being replaced by high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods.
What Can Be Done?
Efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption are already underway in some parts of the world. Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages have been implemented in countries like Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, leading to a measurable decline in consumption. In some cases, companies have responded by reformulating their drinks to contain less sugar.
Other strategies include clear warning labels on packaging, restrictions on advertising (especially to children), and education campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of sugary drinks. Some public health experts are also calling for improvements in access to clean drinking water, so people don’t have to rely on sugary beverages as their main source of hydration.
The Future of Sugar and Health
While some progress has been made, the findings of this study make it clear that more action is needed. Without strong policies to curb sugary drink consumption, millions more people will develop diabetes and heart disease in the coming decades.
At an individual level, reducing the intake of sugary drinks can have immediate health benefits. Substituting them with water, unsweetened tea, or natural fruit-infused water can help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
At a societal level, governments, health organizations, and the food industry must work together to make healthier choices more accessible. As awareness grows and policies evolve, the hope is that future generations will see a decline in sugar-related diseases rather than an increase.
The battle against sugar isn’t just about individual choices - it’s about reshaping the food and beverage environment to support better health for all.
