A new study suggests green spaces and diabetes risk may be linked, with people who have gardens or nearby parks showing a slightly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
BRISBANE: Could having a garden at home or living near a park be good for more than just your mood?
A new study from Australia’s University of Queensland suggests there may be a link between green spaces and diabetes, with people surrounded by more greenery showing a slightly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers looked at data from more than 19,000 people in the UK Biobank. They studied the amount of green space around participants’ homes, including gardens and parks within about 800 metres.
The results showed an interesting pattern.
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People with a substantial garden at home had a 6.8 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who did not have a garden.
People who lived close to several parks showed a 5.7 per cent lower risk.
The findings were published in the journal BMC Public Health.
So, does this mean having a garden will prevent diabetes?
Not necessarily.
The study found an association, which means researchers identified a link between access to green spaces and lower diabetes risk. It does not prove that gardens or parks directly prevent the condition.
However, researchers suggested several possible reasons why greenery could help.
People who live near parks or have gardens may spend more time outside, walk more and generally be more physically active.
Spending time outdoors and around nature may also help with mental wellbeing. Researchers noted that outdoor activity could support vitamin D levels, while exposure to natural environments may also have benefits for gut health and the immune system.
Lead author Chinonso Odebeatu said the findings highlight why health should be considered when cities and communities are designed.
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The research suggests that home gardens, community gardens and easily accessible parks could potentially play a role in creating healthier neighbourhoods.
The findings around green spaces and diabetes could be particularly important as cities around the world continue to grow and become more densely populated.
A nearby park may seem like a small part of a neighbourhood, but this research adds to evidence that the places where we live could influence our long-term health.
And that gives city planners another good reason to leave some room for green.
Mariyam Shajil is an aspiring journalist at TheBrewNews.com with a keen interest in entertainment and lifestyle. She specialises in writing about children’s films and television shows from a young adult perspective, bringing thoughtful insights to family-friendly content. She also enjoys exploring the UAE’s hidden gems and sharing recommendations on places worth visiting, helping readers discover new experiences across the Emirates.
