Diabetes and the Built Environment: Evidence and Policies

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.