One key reason for the increase in diabetes and heart disease cases has been identified by scientists.

New research indicates that sugary drinks are responsible for millions of new cases of diabetes and heart disease annually.

A study led by Tufts University in Boston revealed that approximately 2.2 million new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease are linked to sugar-sweetened sodas and juices annually, according to a press release.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine this week.

In Colombia, 48% of new diabetes cases were linked to sugary drinks, while in Mexico, nearly a third of cases were attributed to them.

In Latin America, over 24% of new diabetes cases were linked to sugary drinks, while in sub-Saharan Africa, 21% of new diabetes cases were associated with sugary beverages, according to a study.

In South Africa, sugary drinks were responsible for 27.6% of new diabetes cases and 14.6% of cardiovascular disease cases.

Sugary drinks are rapidly digested, causing a spike in blood sugar levels with little nutritional value.

The research team stated that sugary drinks cause blood sugar to spike due to their "rapid digestion."

These beverages, when consumed regularly, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, and insulin resistance, according to researchers.

In a university press release, Professor Dariush Mozaffarian stated that sugar-sweetened beverages are heavily marketed and sold in low- and middle-income nations.

These communities are not only consuming harmful products but are also less equipped to handle the long-term health effects.

Researchers have observed that certain groups are more likely to experience negative health effects from sugary drinks, including men and younger adults, as noted by SWNS.

Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, stated that the research findings were predictable, as diets high in added sugars increase the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.

According to her, sugar-sweetened beverages are a significant contributor to excessive sugar intake due to their lack of satiety, as she shared with Planet Chronicle Digital.

These drinks, with their high calorie content and low protein, fat, or fiber content, can lead to overeating and weight gain, particularly in the form of visceral fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

"Sugar-sweetened beverages are easy to overconsume, as they provide little fullness."

Palinski-Wade pointed out that there were some limitations to the new research.

She pointed out that the research was observational and not causal, and it only demonstrated a correlation between diets high in sugar-sweetened beverages and the development of diabetes.

"Drinking those beverages does not definitively cause the development of type 2 diabetes."

What needs to change?

The study authors recommended a "multi-faceted solution" to address the issue, which includes public health campaigns, restrictions on advertising, and taxes on sugary drinks, according to the statement.

Laura Lara-Castor, now at the University of Washington, stated in a release that urgent evidence-based interventions are necessary globally to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, in order to prevent more lives from being shortened by their effects on diabetes and heart disease.

In 2014, Mexico introduced a tax on sugary drinks, and research has shown that it has successfully decreased consumption, the researchers reported.

In Latin America and Africa, where consumption is high and the health consequences severe, much more needs to be done, according to Mozaffarian.

"As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption."

Palinski-Wade pointed out that numerous factors contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

"As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption."

"By cutting back on sugar-sweetened drinks, you can significantly enhance your blood sugar control and promote long-term wellness."

The Gates Foundation, the American Heart Association, and Mexico's National Council for Science and Technology funded the new research.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the researchers for further comment.