“Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimation of population

2-1. The conclusion should be reworded to make it clearer that the estimation of 2million events in the USA and 80 thousand events in the UK of T2DM are based on assumptions. Response: We appreciate the suggestion. In the abstract, we have now concluded as the following. In this concluding sentence, the estimated numbers of events have also be reworded to avoid redundancy of the results and keep generalisability. “Under assumption of causality, SSB consumption over ten years may be related to a substantial number of cases of new-onset diabetes.” #2-2. In addition the phrase “but still support not consuming ASB or fruit juice as alternatives to SSB” is confusing to the reader, please re-phrase. Response: We have now included the following sentences for ASB and fruit juice, partly responding also to the reviewer #4: “Although ASB and fruit juice also showed positive associations with T2D incidence, the findings were likely to involve bias. Nonetheless, both ASB and fruit juice were unlikely to be healthy alternatives to SSB for the prevention of T2D.” Introduction #2-3. Some re-wording of sentences is required, please check the introduction, and the whole document for grammar and sentence structure. For example, page 4, line 11: “T2DM have not be well established” Response: Thank you. We have now extensively reviewed and revised our documents for improved English usage, including attention to correct grammar.