Mississauga faces an “unprecedented” diabetes rate higher than the provincial average, and part of the solution could be green spaces and walking areas, researchers say.
Research by the Novo Nordisk Healthy Population Network, a diabetes research group based at the University of Toronto that works in partnership with communities and governments, reveals an alarming picture of diabetes prevalence in Peel Region.
Data shows that in most parts of Mississauga, diabetes prevalence ranges from 13 to 16.9 per cent of the city’s population. Research shows that the average proportion of adults in Ontario is 9.8 per cent of the population.
Ghazal Fazli, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto who is part of the research group, says the problem has been building up for too long.
“This is unprecedented,” she said. “That trend is not going to stop, and it will only increase in the next few years in this region.”
She said diabetes rates in many parts of Mississauga are up to two-thirds higher than the provincial average.
This is such a serious issue that the City of Mississauga is currently working on a diabetes strategy to engage healthcare partners, researchers, and the community. Fazli said the research group is working closely with the city to investigate why rates are higher in certain areas, provide the city with data and ideas, and explore possible solutions.
Green space and activity options matter: researchers
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use the insulin produced properly. Risk factors for diabetes include weight gain, poor diet, and activity level.
Fazli said certain ethnic groups, including South Asians, who make up the majority of Mississauga’s population, are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and are often diagnosed with the disease earlier in life than other groups. That’s what it means.
Ghazal Fazli, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, said risk factors for diabetes can be influenced by environmental factors. (Courtesy of Ghazal Fazli)
Fazli says genetic predisposition to diabetes can be amplified by the environment people live in. Developing healthy habits to prevent diabetes can be difficult in areas where there is little green space, walking distance, healthy food options, or where many households work multiple jobs or are stressed. can be difficult, she says.
The Novo Nordisk Health Population Network team crunched the numbers by zip code using diagnostic data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, a state funding agency with access to administrative health data records. . They found that the prevalence of diabetes was actually increasing in some regions.
Maps shared as part of a report Presented at Mississauga Committee Meeting A Feb. 20 survey showed areas in Mississauga with high rates of disease have been identified. One area where diabetes is especially prevalent is near the center of the city’s map, west of Huron Tarrio Street, south of Gateway, and parts of Uptown West. The prevalence of diabetes is also particularly high in the northwest corner of the city.
A map shared as part of a report released by the Commission to Combat Racism, Discrimination and Hatred on February 20 reveals areas in Mississauga with high prevalence of diabetes. became. (Submitted by the City of Mississauga)
Fazli said some of the risk factors for the disease can be reduced by changing the environment around us, and cities can play a role by increasing active transportation and providing plenty of recreational space. He said it was possible.
“These are risk factors that can be modified through policy interventions,” Fazli said, adding that the strategy is to “meet people where they are” and address the risks people may face when exercising or eating properly. He added that other barriers also need to be considered.
Ultimately, she says, cities will decide what the strategy will be.
Diabetes prevalence is uneven across the city
Rob Trewartha, director of strategic communications and initiatives with the City of Mississauga, said the city has been proactive on this issue throughout the pandemic. Staff will return to council later this year with a draft diabetes strategy.
And although it is too early to say what the recommendations will be, municipal interventions may include changing how districts are built, increasing opportunities for active transportation, creating community gardens, and making recreation available in certain hotspots. That could include a closer look at the program, Trewartha said. . Specific programs can also target specific communities within Mississauga, he added.
“How your city is designed has a huge impact on chronic disease and your health,” he said.
Risk factors for diabetes include weight gain, poor diet, and activity level. In this photo, a doctor uses a glucometer to measure blood sugar levels. (Shutterstock)
Trewartha said the City Council’s support for this effort so far shows the city remains willing to consider the factors contributing to the discrepancy and do its part. said.
“We know we have challenges,” Trewartha said. “We also know that it’s not evenly distributed across the city.”
The city has already held an event on diabetes strategy development in November 2023 as part of the Healthy City Expo, which was well attended. Fazli says this kind of community engagement is essential to ensuring the success of any strategy or program the city and its partners decide to act on.
Improving outcomes will require collaboration between researchers, communities and health partners, as well as other levels of government, Trewartha added.
“Mississauga can’t fight diabetes on its own,” he says.
