Green Space Exposure Association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Physical Activity, and Obesity: A Systematic Review

Felipe De la Fuente, María Angélica Saldías, Camila Cubillos, Gabriela Mery, Daniela Carvajal, Martín Bowen and María Paz Bertoglia
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Felipe De la Fuente: Nursing Department, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
María Angélica Saldías: Nursing Department, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Camila Cubillos: Nursing Department, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Gabriela Mery: Nursing Department, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Daniela Carvajal: Nursing Department, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Martín Bowen: Medical School, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
María Paz Bertoglia: School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a public health challenge that must be addressed considering the large number of risk factors involved in its appearance. Some environmental risk factors are currently described as predictors of diabetes, with access to green spaces being an element to consider in urban settings. This review aims to study the association between exposure to green spaces and outcomes such as diabetes, obesity, and physical activity in the general population. A systematic review was carried out using the PubMed, Embase, and LILACS databases and other sources. The search strategy was carried out from October 2019 to October 2020. Cross-sectional and cohort studies were included. The article selection was made by a pair of reviewers, and data extraction was carried out using a data extraction sheet. The quality assessment of the included studies was carried out using a validated tool. Finally, 19 scientific articles were included in this review. Evidence supports that people and communities exposed to green spaces, especially in their neighborhood, reduce the risk of T2DM and reduce the risk of being obese and increase the likelihood of physical activity. The onset of T2DM can be moderated by using green spaces, improving physical activity levels, and reducing the risk of being overweight and obese.

Keywords: green spaces; diabetes mellitus; physical activity; obesity; overweight; systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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