A Statistical Study on the Associations Between Public Transportation, Air Quality, and Diabetes Risk in U.S. Cities and Suburbs
A new statistical study conducted by scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago has found associations between access to public transportation, air quality, and the risk for diabetes in U.S. cities and suburbs. The research suggests that investing in transit and clean air could have unanticipated health benefits for residents in metropolitan areas.
Key Findings:
- Lower walkability, reduced use of public transportation, and higher levels of air pollution were associated with higher prevalence of diabetes and reduced diabetes control across nearly 1,500 U.S. counties.
- Racially diverse counties showed amplified effects, suggesting that these factors contribute to health disparities in diabetes risk and control.
- The effects of transportation and air quality were found to be additive in influencing diabetes prevalence.
Lead author Margaret Weiss, a sixth-year MSTP student at UIC, stated, “The findings suggest that policy promoting green space, better transportation, and walkable communities could be a way to reduce overall diabetes prevalence within large populations. By addressing multiple factors at once, you will have a larger reduction in risk compared to if you just stress one area.”
The study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, is the latest from the research group of Dr. Robert Sargis, associate professor of medicine at UIC. Dr. Sargis, an endocrinologist focused on the treatment of diabetes and lipid disorders, also studies how environmental pollutants such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and air pollution contribute to metabolic diseases.
While the study analyzed population-level data, Dr. Sargis suggested that it could drive clinical conversations around how transportation choices influence personal health. He stated, “Taking people out of their cars and getting them to use active transportation is a form of physical activity that I don’t think we address clinically, because in part, that’s often not a choice. It’s dependent upon the ecosystem in which someone lives. But maybe this is further justification for talking to our patients about what opportunities their neighborhoods offer and how they might choose forms of transportation that promote health.”
Co-authors of the study include Sneha Adusumilli of the UIC College of Medicine and Jyotsna S. Jagai of the University of Chicago.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Indicator: Prevalence of diabetes in the population.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
- Indicator: Access to public transportation.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: Air pollution levels.
Analysis
The article discusses the associations between access to public transportation, air quality, and the risk for diabetes. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of diabetes risk and control is directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The prevalence of diabetes is a key indicator to measure progress towards reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the importance of access to public transportation in reducing the risk of diabetes. SDG 11 focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, and target 11.2 specifically aims to provide safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. Access to public transportation is an indicator to measure progress towards this target.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
The study also mentions the impact of air pollution on diabetes risk and control. SDG 13 addresses climate action, and target 13.1 aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. Air pollution levels serve as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Prevalence of diabetes in the population. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport. | Access to public transportation. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Air pollution levels. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: today.uic.edu
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