Sugary beverages linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes
There may be a correlation between the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes and the heightened consumption of sugary beverages.
Previous research has demonstrated the adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages, including obesity, impaired liver function, hypertension, according to a news story from The New York Times.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, investigators examined how habits surrounding the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages affect global health.
The investigators found that sugary beverages may be attributed to about 2.2 million additional cases of Type 2 diabetes, 1.2 million additional cases of cardiovascular disease and 340,000 cardiovascular disease- and diabetes-related deaths per year. Further, individuals residing in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America may be disproportionately impacted by the adverse effects of sugar-sweetened beverages.
With sales of sugary beverages dropping in North America and Europe, manufacturers of the drinks have focused more intently on opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. As a result, individuals residing in these regions may be consuming more of the drinks than they ever have before. However, efforts such as soda taxes, marketing restrictions and package labels that inform consumers of the harms of added sugars have already shown success at curbing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Latin America.
The investigators hope their findings can inspire more individuals, particularly those residing in low-income countries, to limit or avoid sugary beverages in favor of more healthful dietary habits.
Read more: The New York Times
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