A new study published in 2025 estimates that 1 in 10 new cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide in 2020 may be linked to sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas, energy drinks, sweetened teas, and fruit punches. The same study estimated that beverages containing added sugars were also associated with 340,000 deaths globally from type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular (heart-related) complications that same year.

Scientists studied 30 years of data (1990–2020) from 184 countries. They focused on sugary drink use, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and the health risks of added sugar. Based on previous research showing sugary drinks can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the study calculated that 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide in 2020 may be related to the consumption of these drinks.

Additionally, researchers found that sugary drinks were associated with 1.2 million new cases of heart disease worldwide in 2020. This made up over 3 percent of all new heart disease cases that year. The association between sugary drinks and heart disease is especially important for individuals with diabetes, as they are already at a higher risk for heart-related complications.

Why Sugary Drinks Could Be Risky

Sugary drinks can be harmful for people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The sugar in these drinks is absorbed quickly, causing blood sugar levels to rise fast, which makes them harder to control. Over time, this can make insulin resistance worse, lead to weight gain, and raise the risk of problems like kidney damage and nerve pain.

Sugary drinks also affect heart health, especially for people with type 2 diabetes, who already have a higher risk of heart problems. These drinks may cause inflammation, raise levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), and lead to more visceral fat (fat around organs), all of which raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you’re living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and are concerned about your sugar intake, consider speaking with your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can provide strategies for reducing how much sugar you consume. These may include opting for unsweetened beverages and learning to detect hidden sugars on food and beverage labels.

Learn about how beverages such as orange juice and coffee might affect diabetes.

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On DiabetesTeam, the social network for people living with type 2 diabetes and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

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