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Where you Live can Affect your Chances of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

January 8th, 2008 | by Timothy Kintzel, M.D. |

A recent study published in the journal, Epidemiology, suggests that people who live in certain neighbourhoods have an increased chance of developing insulin resistance and subsequent type 2 Diabetes. People who lived in neighbourhoods “more conducive” to exercise and healthy diet had less insulin resistance. These were hypothesized to be ones “with safe, walkable streets, or near gyms and parks”. Similarly, having neighborhood markets that sell high-quality fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods may promote healthier eating. 2026 adults living in the Baltimore, MD, New York, NY, and Forsyth County, NC were studied and were asked questions in two separate surveys. One about their medical history, weight, and family history, and the other about how exercise and healthy eating friendly their neighbourhood was. This study suggests that more farmers’ markets and restaurants serving healthier food need to be in poorer neighbourhoods as a well as sidewalks and parks more conducive to walking and exercising.

Epidemiology. 2008 Jan;19(1):146-157