(November 14, 2016, New York, USA) – On World Diabetes Day, global health experts Vital Strategies call on governments around the world to take action to reduce the burden of diabetes by introducing comprehensive policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. More rapid implementation of comprehensive tobacco control policies would also help to reduce the burden of diabetes, by reducing tobacco use.
Addressing soda consumption and tobacco use is vital
More than 415 million adults have diabetes. Scientific research has found a significant relationship between the amount and frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed and the increased risk of type-2 diabetes. For example, it has been estimated that the risk of type-2 diabetes is 26 percent greater among the highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages (most often 1 – 2 servings/day), compared to those with the lowest levels of intake (none or <1 serving/month).
Scientific research also finds that smokers are 30–40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers. There is also a correlation between higher tobacco consumption and a greater risk of developing diabetes. Smokers with diabetes are also at greater risk of sudden death from diabetes. This may be because they are found to be more likely than nonsmokers to have trouble with insulin dosing and with controlling their disease.
José Luis Castro, President and CEO, Vital Strategies, said: “Vital Strategies calls on governments to implement proven health policies that will help to reduce the increasing health and economic burden of diabetes. More needs to be done to help people understand the risk of diabetes is linked to consuming unhealthy products like cigarettes and soda, but this also has to be reinforced with strong policies – like high taxes – to turn that knowledge into action, prompting a reduction or cessation in use.
“By raising taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, promoting healthy public sector food policies, introducing understandable front-of-package nutrition labels, banning junk food and sugary beverage advertising to children, and developing obesity prevention advertising campaigns, governments could make rapid inroads into reducing the burden of diabetes and progress towards their target of reducing non-communicable disease contained within the Global Goals. We have been proud to support advertising campaigns in Mexico and a number of other countries. Similarly, comprehensive tobacco control policies, that are also supported by media campaigns, will reduce the burden of tobacco. We stand ready to advise and support governments wishing to reduce the burden of diabetes in their country. The evidence and the tools are there – it’s time to act.”
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies envisions a world where every person is protected by a strong public health system. Our team combines evidence-based strategies with innovation to help develop sound public health policies, manage programs efficiently, strengthen data systems, conduct research, and design strategic communication campaigns for policy and behavior change. Vital Strategies is an affiliate of The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union).
To find out more, please visit vitalstrategies.org or Twitter @VitalStrat
For further information or to arrange an interview with a Vital Strategies public health and maternal health expert, please contact Tracey Johnston, Vital Strategies, at +44.7889.081.170 or tjohnston@vitalstrategies.org