Green zones can reduce the risk of developing diseases

The study is based on an analysis of data from more than 19,000 participants in the UK Biobank, including information about whether they had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and about the availability of green spaces in their area of residence. The study assessed the presence of a household plot, as well as the number of parks within a 800‑meter radius of the home.

The results showed that people with a sufficiently large garden had a 6.8 % lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not have a garden. Furthermore, living near several parks reduced the likelihood of the disease by 5.7%. According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Chinonso Odebiatu, these data suggest that when designing residential development, especially in the context of an increasing share of high‑density construction, it is necessary to take public health needs into account.

The benefits of proximity to green spaces are also explained by several mechanisms. First, gardening is a physical activity that in itself reduces the risks of metabolic disorders. Secondly, spending time outdoors promotes the production of vitamin D and has a positive effect on mental health due to the restorative effect of nature. Thirdly, contact with diverse microflora on the site improves the state of the gut microbiome and strengthens the immune system.

The scale of the problem lends particular significance to these conclusions. According to researchers, more than 500 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes today, and by 2050 this number may double and reach 1.31 billion. In this context, the influence of the urban environment and the availability of green spaces is no longer just a matter of individual comfort, but a factor that determines the health of entire populations in the long term.

Thus, the study demonstrates that having a garden or access to several parks near one’s home is not just a matter of aesthetics and personal leisure, but also a real contribution to the prevention of serious chronic diseases. The decisions made today in the field of urban planning will directly affect the epidemiological situation and the overall health of the population in the future.