Diabetes and the built environment: a blueprint for healthy communities and populations
When thinking about risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, age, family history, and ethnic background may come to mind. However, other factors play a role such as type of transportation, the safety and walkability of neighbourhoods, and access to healthy foods. These factors, known as the built environment, are associated with both reducing risk and managing diabetes. For this reason, Diabetes Canada released a new position statement describing the relationship between diabetes and the built environment, with recommended actions for governments.
“We need a broader approach to addressing type 2 diabetes risk reduction and management,” says Dr. Seema Nagpal, vice president of Science & Policy with Diabetes Canada. “This includes policy interventions that foster good health for all Canadians. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been forced to look at the way we live, work, and play. An environment that facilitates active living and healthy eating, provides the opportunity to improve health outcomes for everyone in the community, including reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improving the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.”
For more information, including specific recommendations for governments, please check out the executive summary and the full position statement.