Just a quick note; but "sugar in general" contains fructose. Given that you're talking about simple sugars.
sucrose = glucose + fructose - water
lactose = glucose + galactose - water
maltose = glucose + glucose - water
Based on this study, I would guess that replacing all HFCS with an equivalent-sweetness amount of regular corn syrup (all glucose) would immediately result in significant improvements to the public health, even though the sweetened products would have more calories per serving.
You're right though, it probably would've been more helpful for me to say carbohydrates in general.