Diabetes Australia has welcomed the levy after research found increased sugary drink consumption contributes to the risk of type 2 diabetes independent of weight gain or obesity.

Studies reveal between 5.2 and 6.1 per cent of the Dubbo population have diabetes. 

Figures obtained from Australia’s Health Tracker By Area between 2014-15 show that in Dubbo 5.2 per cent of the population aged between 25 and 64 years have diabetes. The statistic sits well above the national figure of 4.7 per cent.

Wellington also returned a high percentage of 7.1, followed by Parkes and Bogan at 5.7 per cent, Lithgow with 5.5 per cent, Narromine 5.4, Orange 5 per cent and Bathurst 4.8 per cent. 

While most previous research suggests increased sugary drink consumption led to weight gain which then led to type 2 diabetes, an Australian national University-led study of 40,000 adults showed the more sugary drinks consumed, the higher the risk of type 2 diabetes independent of weight gain and obesity.

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said a health levy on sugary drinks was an important part of a comprehensive approach to responding to the type 2 diabetes epidemic.

“Research has found that a sugary drinks levy could help reduce consumption by more than 10 per cent,” he said. “Over 25 years a tax on sugary drinks could mean 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, 4400 fewer cases of heart disease and 1,100 fewer cases of stroke.”

He said 69 per cent of Australians support a levy on sugary drinks if that revenue is used to reduce the cost of healthier foods.