A recent study by the University of Queensland in Australia has found that having a home garden may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, providing further evidence of the importance of green spaces in urban planning.
The study found that people with relatively large home gardens had a 6.8 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than others, while those living near several public parks had a 5.7 per cent lower risk.
The researchers analysed data from more than 19,000 participants in the UK Biobank, examining the availability of green spaces around their homes, including private gardens and parks within a radius of 800 metres.
The researchers suggested that the association may be linked to increased physical activity and spending more time outdoors, which may in turn benefit mental health and improve vitamin D levels. Exposure to natural environments may also influence the diversity of gut microbes and support the immune system.
Lead researcher Chinonso Odibiate said the findings highlight the need to give greater priority to public health when designing cities. She noted that home and community gardens, as well as nearby parks, could play an important role in reducing the risk of diabetes.
The study called for green spaces to become an essential component of urban planning, given the impact of city design decisions on the health of future generations.
