A new study reveals that people with private gardens, or parks and community gardens nearby, have a lower chance of developing type two diabetes, writes ZOE DELEUIL.  

With the longer days of spring on the way, it’s a great time to get outside for some gardening or a walk to your local park.

If you need a little encouragement, a recent study from the University of Queensland, led by Dr Chinonso Odebeatu, found that having a private garden or a choice of parks within walking distance can reduce our risk of developing type 2 diabetes

By encouraging people to get outside and be active, cities and suburbs that incorporate parklands and community gardens, as well as private gardens, don’t just look good, they can also have a significant impact on our overall health.

While the study was based on UK data, Dr Odebeatu says that, with most of the world’s population now living in urban areas, the research can be applied more widely.

Diabetes is currently increasing at alarming rates globally. We know that diet plays a part, but we wanted to find out what happens when you have an environment that encourages you to get outside. My interest was in seeing if there were things we could do from an environmental perspective to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The link between ‘green infrastructure’ and community health is well established, but the researchers wanted to better understand what kinds of green space make a difference.

“We know that parks and gardens matter, but we haven’t looked as closely at the role of private gardens,” says Dr Odebeatu.

“What we found was that that if you have a private garden, it gives you opportunities for regular physical activity that you don’t get living in a high-rise apartment. You need to maintain it, maybe you’re growing some veggies out there. Plus, there are other things that being outside gives you, such as vitamin D, movement and social interaction, that indirectly benefit your overall health.”

Of course not everyone can afford or wants to maintain a private garden, which is why public parks and green spaces are so valued in cities. The reduced risk of type 2 diabetes was greater in people who had a choice of parks within walking distance.

This may be because we all have different ways of using a park, whether that’s going to the playground or dog park, using the running track or seeking out open spaces or shade. When we get to know a park well, and like what it offers, it’s easier for it to become part of our routine.

“The bigger the park, the more likely you are to use it,” says Dr Odebeatu. “And having a choice of parks is also important. The more choice you have, the more likely you are to have one that suits your needs.”

While physical activity is important in both preventing and managing diabetes, it’s not just exercise, but the experience of being outside and walking that can have a significant impact on our wellbeing. For those living with diabetes, spending time in nature can improve mental health and help to relieve the stress that can accompany the condition.

“Imagine going to a public park, listening to birds, spending some quiet time there. If you are highly stressed from work or family or health issues, this is an environment that gives you relief and allows you to think about how to move forward,” says Dr Odebeatu.

Given that the health benefits of a private garden stemmed in part from people actively gardening and growing food, the study also demonstrates the benefits of including more community gardens in urban areas.

“We keep advocating for this because we know that health is not about one person, it’s about communities. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to supporting people to live more healthily and sustainably,” says Dr Odebeatu.

There are so many benefits to green spaces, to the point that health professionals are now starting to prescribe structured time in green spaces in addition to conventional medicines.

Engaging with nature has widespread health benefits and Diabetes WA welcomes research into the link between urban planning and public health.

Do you have any questions? 

Here at the Diabetes WA clinic, we can help you to learn more about managing diabetes.

To get started, call the free Diabetes WA Helpline on 1300 001 880.