Sugar sweetened beverages and increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Indigenous community of Australia

Aims: The aim of this viewpoint was to discuss a profound health gap in type 2 diabetes that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Data synthesis: In Australia, type 2 diabetes is ranked as the fastest growing chronic condition, with the rates of type 2 diabetes higher among Indigenous than non-Indigenous Australians. Improvements to diet could aid in reducing overweight and obesity in the Indigenous community, with sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) examples of discretionary foods that contain a high amount of sugar. The marked increase in type 2 diabetes, obesity and consumption of SSBs in the Indigenous community may suggest that type 2 diabetes may result from weight gain caused by SSB consumption. Recent evidence suggests that higher consumption of SSBs was associated with greater incidence of type 2 diabetes independent of adiposity. Some determinants influencing increased SSBs consumption in the Indigenous population include advertising, marketing, availability and affordability. Conclusions: The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes continue to be higher among Indigenous than non-Indigenous Australians and overall, a link between SSBs and risk of type 2 diabetes is reported. Three solutions to high SSBs consumption in Indigenous communities include increased availability, affordability, and accessibility of healthy food and drink, engagement of Indigenous people in offering solutions including discussion of a sugar tax on SSBs framed with Indigenous input, and the provision of clean community water supply and water bubblers. (c) 2021 The Italian Diabetes Society, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The aim of this viewpoint was to address the health gap in type 2 diabetes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, with Indigenous populations showing higher rates of the condition. Improvements in diet could help reduce overweight and obesity in the Indigenous community, with sugar sweetened beverages being a significant contributing factor.