March 27, 2023
This is one of the first studies to link the characteristics of the environment related to car use and the risk of developing diabetes in different age groups. ICES and Unity Health Toronto examined the association between neighbourhood drivability and rates of this disease in Toronto. They found that:
- Those living in the most drivable neighbourhoods had a 41% greater risk of developing diabetes;
- Younger individuals (20 to 34 years) living in the most car-dependent neighbourhoods and who were middle-income had an almost two-fold risk of developing diabetes compared to the least car-dependent neighbourhoods; and
- The highest risk for diabetes was found when high drivability co-occurred with low walkability scores, suggesting that to prevent diabetes, car use be discouraged and walking should be facilitated.
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