Research analysing UK Biobank data suggests that larger private gardens and proximity to parks may significantly reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, highlighting the health benefits of urban green space.
A new study has found that living with a larger private garden or close to public parks may be linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, adding to a growing body of evidence that green space can play a role in long-term health.
Researchers reporting in BMC Public Health analysed data from more than 19,000 people in the UK Biobank and found that those with larger gardens near their homes were 6.8% less likely to develop the disease. People living within 800 metres of several parks had a 5.7% lower risk, according to the paper.
The authors said the effect may be explained by a mix of factors: more physical activity through gardening, greater exposure to sunlight and vitamin D, better mental well-being from contact with nature and possible benefits for the gut microbiome and immune system linked to biodiversity.
The findings add to earlier UK Biobank research suggesting that private gardens and other residential green spaces are associated with better health outcomes, including lower risks of cardiovascular and respiratory death and reduced odds of incident type 2 diabetes. Other studies have also linked higher physical activity levels to a lower diabetes risk and have suggested that neighbourhood greenery may help offset some of the health effects of air pollution.
The BMC Public Health paper also places the results in a wider public health context. The researchers noted that more than 500 million people worldwide are living with diabetes now and warned that the number could rise sharply by 2050, underscoring the value of urban planning that preserves and expands green space.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
