(Photo credit: Adobe/Epiximages
)
Key points
- UQ research has revealed people with home gardens or live near parks have a lower chance of developing type two diabetes.
- The study analysed data from more than 19,000 UK Biobank participants who had type 2 diabetes and evaluated greenspace availability at their home addresses.
- The evidence indicates a garden is beneficial for people’s health and adequate green space should be factored into residential developments.
People with home gardens are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a University of Queensland study has found, planting fresh evidence that gardens and greenspaces should be a priority in urban planning.
The UQ-led study found people with a substantial garden had a 6.8 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who didn’t have a garden.
Lead author Dr Chinonso Odebeatu , who conducted the research at UQ’s School of Public Health , said the research also revealed people were 5.7 per cent less likely to have type 2 diabetes if they lived near multiple parks.
“Current housing challenges means there are more high-density residential dwellings under development, and this research shows public health considerations need to be prioritised when planning greenspaces,” Dr Odebeatu said.
“The evidence shows having a garden is more than just aesthetics, because people’s health will be impacted if green space isn’t factored into residential developments.
“Our research also found having several parks closer to home was highly beneficial when it came to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of public greenspaces such as community gardens and parks.”
The study analysed data from more than 19,000 UK Biobank participants who had type 2 diabetes, and evaluated greenspace availability at their home addresses, including residential gardens and parks within an 800-metre radius.
Associate Professor Nicholas Osborne said there were many reasons why the risk of type 2 diabetes was lower for those with home gardens.
“Along with physical activity, being outside in a garden also helps with vitamin D levels and the restorative aspects of being outside which can greatly benefit mental health,” Dr Osborne said.
“Being outdoors also exposes people to a range of microbes that improve gut health and boost the immune system.”
Dr Osborne said more than 500 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and that number is expected to double to 1.31 billion by 2050.
“The findings from this study show how public health needs to be considered in urban planning because the decisions we make today will impact our future health.”
Read the research published in BMC Public Health.
Collaboration and acknowledgements
This study was conducted in collaboration with Channing Division of Network Medicine in Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and Portland State University.
