Living in a home with a sufficiently large private garden reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 6.8 percent, according to researchers publishing in BMC Public Health.
Living near multiple public parks within an 800-metre radius also cuts the likelihood of developing the condition by 5.7 percent compared to living without close access to green areas.
The study analyzed environmental and health data from more than 19,000 participants registered with the UK Biobank database. Researchers evaluated the total volume of green space surrounding each individual's residence to determine its long-term health impact.
UK Biobank is a major biomedical database and research resource in the United Kingdom containing detailed genetic and health information from half a million participants. BMC Public Health is a peer-reviewed medical journal focusing on public health epidemiology and environmental health factors.
Multiple factors explain the protective effect
The authors suggested that the protective effect of green space is driven by a combination of physical, environmental, and mental factors. Gardening work elevates regular physical activity, while spending time in outdoor sunlight promotes the body's natural synthesis of vitamin D.
Contact with nature also improves psychological state and reduces stress levels. Furthermore, exposure to diverse natural microorganisms present in outdoor environments can positively influence gut microbiota and strengthen human immune system function.
Surging global cases of diabetes
The researchers highlighted that more than 500 million people worldwide currently live with diabetes. They warned that without effective preventive measures, global cases could exceed 1.3 billion by the year 2050.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Left unmanaged, the condition can lead to severe cardiovascular and kidney complications.
The study's authors concluded that these findings underscore the vital importance of preserving gardens, parks, and residential green spaces when designing modern urban neighborhoods to help prevent chronic health conditions.
