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Diabetes and the Built Environment: Evidence and Policies

Current Diabetes Reports volume 19, Article number: 35 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To explore the relationship between the built environment and type 2 diabetes, considering both risk factors and policies to reduce risk. The built environment refers to the physical characteristics of the areas in which people live including buildings, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure.

Recent Findings

A review of current literature suggests an association between the built environment and type 2 diabetes, likely driven by two key pathways—physical activity and the food environment. Other hypothesized mechanisms linking the built environment and type 2 diabetes include housing policy, but evidence in these areas is underdeveloped.

Summary

Policies designed to enhance the built environment for diabetes risk reduction are mechanistically plausible, but as of yet, little direct evidence supports their effectiveness in reducing in type 2 diabetes risk. Future work should rigorously evaluate policies meant to reduce type 2 diabetes via the built environment.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Funding

Seth A. Berkowitz’s role in the research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K23DK109200.

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Affiliations

  1. University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 1001 Bondurant Hall, CB 9535, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

    Aisha T. Amuda

  2. Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 5034 Old Clinic Bldg. CB 7110, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

    Seth A. Berkowitz

  3. Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Seth A. Berkowitz

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Correspondence to Seth A. Berkowitz.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Economics and Policy in Diabetes

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Amuda, A.T., Berkowitz, S.A. Diabetes and the Built Environment: Evidence and Policies. Curr Diab Rep 19, 35 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1162-1

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Keywords

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Built environment
  • Diabetes risk
  • Health policy