Research from around the world

Healthy neighbourhood linked to lower diabetes risk

A US study has found people living in neighbourhoods that encourage physical activity and provide access to healthy foods have a 38% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over five years.

The study rated suburbs on a health scale, based on factors including whether there was good access to high-quality fruits and vegetables and whether it was easy to walk around the neighbourhood. Living in a neighbourhood with a high health score provided a similar reduction in diabetes risk as having a body mass index (BMI) five points lower.

Jean Hailes research director Prof Helena Teede agrees that an environment that promotes healthy lifestyle choices can lead to improved health outcomes. “Removing the barriers and making it easier for people to make healthier choices can go a long way towards preventing excess weight and reducing the impact of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.”

Vitamin D deficiency associated with high blood pressure

An American Heart Association study has found young, premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency had three times the risk of developing systolic hypertension (high blood pressure) in midlife, compared to those who had normal levels of vitamin D.

Researchers recorded vitamin D levels of 559 women aged between 24 and 44 years old. Fifteen years later, they found that women who had low levels of vitamin D at the beginning of the study were more likely to have systolic hypertension, taking into account other factors such as age, fat mass, blood pressure medication and smoking.

Hypertension is a major public health concern and can be a contributing factor in heart disease, heart attack, kidney disease and stroke. Jean Hailes clinician Dr Sonia Davison observed, “We are only beginning to understand the many roles of vitamin D beyond the maintenance of calcium levels and bone health. These findings reinforce the message that further research is critical in order to more fully understand the actions of vitamin D and to help identify those who may benefit from vitamin D supplementation across all age groups.”

Warning against weight gain at midlife

Women who put on weight as they reach middle age are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer or coronary heart disease when they reach their 70s, according to study published in the British Medical Journal.

Using data from the Nurses Health Study, researchers found that for every 1kg a woman gains from age 18, the odds of healthy survival into old age decreased by 5%. Middle-aged women with a BMI of over 25 were nearly 80% less likely to reach old age without major health problems.

According to Prof Teede, Australian women are gaining 0.5-1kg per year on average. “Women need to be wary of the kilo creep throughout life, especially as they approach midlife. Losing as little as 5-10% of your body weight can have significant benefits for your health and reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease.”

Content Updated November 23, 2009