Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Advisor

Jeannette Manger

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic in the US adult population, with its prevalence increasing every year. The disease is associated with physical inactivity and obesity. Like other lifestyle diseases, type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable. Previous studies have shown that exercise plays an important role in diabetes treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate relationships among obesity rate, access to exercise opportunities, and diabetes prevalence in Ohio, Colorado, and Mississippi by analyzing County Health Rankings data of the three states from 2016 and 2022. Our results showed associations among obesity rate, access to exercise opportunities, and diabetes prevalence in all three states. When comparing data from 2016 and 2022, we observed consistent increases in obesity rate in these states. While access to exercise opportunities remained high in Colorado, there were significant decreases both in Ohio and in Mississippi from 2016 to 2022. Surprisingly, there was no significant increase in diabetes prevalence in any of the states. Future studies should aim to investigate other factors affecting diabetes prevalence in the three states. In particular, types and duration of physical activity on diabetes management should be further studied in order to draw more meaningful conclusions. Diet, cultural differences, and other environmental factors should be considered as well.


Included in

Public Health Commons

Share

COinS