Summary

Sugary drinks contribute to over 2.2 million new diabetes cases and 1.1 million new heart disease cases globally each year, with severe impacts in low- and middle-income countries.

A study in Nature Medicine highlights regions like Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, where sugary drinks account for up to 48% of new diabetes cases, straining health systems.

Experts link the rise to aggressive marketing and a lack of nutrition education.

Researchers urge measures like taxes, advertising regulations, and public health campaigns to combat the health and economic burden of sugary drink consumption.