Mauritius: Diabetes - Sweet Poison Vs Sugar Tax

Mauritius grapples with a diabetes crisis, with nearly one in five adults living with the condition. Despite a sugar tax implemented in 2013 and doubled since, sugar remains prevalent in food and beverages, and the disease burden persists. The International Diabetes Federation ranks Mauritius as the 12th most burdened country for diabetes worldwide.

The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the epidemic, including prevention, clinical care, fiscal measures, and expanding the sugar tax in the 2026-2027 Budget. However, the challenge is complex, with diabetes often co-existing with obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, increasing cardiovascular risk. The epidemic is closely tied to rapid urbanisation, changing dietary patterns, and declining physical activity levels.

Overconsumption of added sugars, particularly fructose, can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to severe complications, including blindness, kidney disease, heart attacks, strokes, and even amputations. The psychological impact of chronic illness and visible complications can also significantly affect patients' lives and deepen existing inequalities.

The government has implemented various interventions, such as expanding the sugar tax, recruiting additional medical personnel, and investing in specialised training and resources for diabetes care.