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The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing globally. It is a silent chronic pathology that affects approximately 14% of the population, although almost half have not been diagnosed. Its appearance is closely linked to lifestyle, so if we take care of ourselves, we can prevent this imbalance in blood sugar, which is more common in patients with abdominal obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood) . Reducing caloric intake, avoiding refined sugars and unhealthy fats, and going for a walk every day are key to preventing its appearance.
Now, a study published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Medicine by researchers at Imperial College Business School in London suggests that live near fast food restaurants increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Food environments have an impact on diet and obesity, two risk factors for type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between food environments and diet in low- and middle-income countries is poorly understood. To examine associations between density and proximity of healthy and unhealthy food outlets and diabetes, the researchers linked cross-sectional health data with environmental mapping surveys for 12,167 people living in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka between 2018 and 2020. .
They collected self-reported diabetes diagnosis histories and fasting blood glucose levels from residents of urban and rural districts. The researchers then mapped the food environment, collecting data on the location and types of food retailers available within 300 meters around each participant’s home, classifying each type of food establishment as healthy or unhealthy.
The researchers found that a highest density of fast food outlets near of a person’s home was associated with an 8% increase in the likelihood of a diabetes diagnosis. Having at least one fast food store close to home was associated with an increase in blood glucose of 2.14 mg/dL. Also, women and people with high incomes were more likely to have higher levels of diabetes mellitus.
The study was limited by several factors, including self-reported data on diabetes diagnoses. Further studies are needed to validate and expand on how food environments can influence people’s diet and health.
“Our results show that environment-targeted interventions may be effective in preventing diabetes, however, the heterogeneity of effects found in our analysis suggests that more targeted interventions may be needed. Generalist interventions have not led to better outcomes and future research is needed to assess which food environment interventions might improve diabetes outcomes in this geographic region and population,” the authors note.
“In South Asia, diabetes affects 1 in 11 adults and causes 747,000 preventable deaths per year. Our research shows that living near at least one fast food outlet is associated with a 16% increased chance of being diagnosed with diabetes. With the number of people with diabetes in Southeast Asia projected to reach 113 million by 2030, it is imperative that food and beverage companies and retailers step up their sustainability agendas to promote better diets and prevent diabetes.” Miraldo, lead author of the study.
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