In Copenhagen, type 2 diabetes continues to rise, and there is no doubt that diabetes is a major challenge for Denmark’s capital.
The number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Copenhagen, 22,000, tells only part of the story, and twice as many have undiagnosed diabetes.
It is also a complex challenge, with its causes closely linked to education and income, and that obesity, physical activity and social conditions all play vital roles.
As Mayor of Health and Care, I have a responsibility to deal with this challenge and support and assist everyone who has diabetes or is at risk of developing it.
Copenhagen was recently named the most liveable city in the world by the highly respected magazine Monocle. This is a tribute to our great political ambitions for creating an active, healthy and green metropolis.
Despite this, diabetes remains a major challenge. With the global project Cities Changing Diabetes, Copenhagen will have a unique opportunity to make an extra effort to improve the health of Copenhageners. I am very much looking forward to that.
“In 2014, Copenhagen was named the world’s most liveable city by Monocle magazine. This is a tribute to our great political ambitions for creating an active, healthy and green city.
Yet, the challenge of urban diabetes in Copenhagen is real and still on the rise. In particular, it is a consequence of social inequality. Copenhageners with no formal secondary school qualifications, as well as those without a job and receiving social benefits, are three times more likely to get diabetes than people of the same age with a higher education.
I’m determined that we can improve the health of all Copenhageners, and the treatment of diabetes in the city. Cities Changing Diabetes will challenge us to do more – providing new data and new routes to collaboration across our own city, as well as a window on important work in other cities across the world.“
