Sugary drinks linked to millions of type 2 diabetes cases
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Sugar-sweetened beverages were linked to an estimated 2.2 million cases of type 2 diabetes in 2020, highlighting their major global health impact. Regular consumption of drinks high in added sugars, such as sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened juices, can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. The burden was higher on average among men than women, and was especially pronounced in younger adults, people with higher education levels, and those living in urban areas. These findings highlight how frequent consumption of sugary drinks remains a major contributor to diabetes risk across diverse populations.
Source
Lara-Castor, L., O’Hearn, M., Cudhea, F. et al. Burdens of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages in 184 countries. Nat Med 31, 552–564 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03345-4
Additional Reading
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/01/27/sugary-drinks-diabetes-heart-disease/
https://www.foodandwine.com/sugary-drinks-diabetes-heart-disease-8776956