MEDIA FACTSHEET
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Research overview
The ‘Rule of Halves’ analysis for Copenhagen is based upon
existing research and reflects type 1 and type 2 diabetes among
people over 16 years of age.
Using the Rule of Halves data to define ‘high-risk’ locations, the
qualitative diabetes vulnerability assessment was undertaken.
The results reflect interviews with 50 people either at risk of or
already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Research findings
•Only one in 20 people are thought to have diabetes in
Copenhagen – a relatively low prevalence compared to the
global average of one in 114
•The number of people with diabetes and the economic cost
of the disease in the city is expected to double by 2040 if no
action is taken5
•The life expectancy of people in Copenhagen varies
significantly between districts in the city and by as much as
seven years
•People not in employment are seven times more likely to
have diabetes than those in employment while people with a
university education are three times less likely to have diabetes
than those without
•In Copenhagen, diabetes is often not highest in a person’s
hierarchy of need, given many other social and health issues
such as unemployment, financial difficulties and loneliness
Copenhagen fast facts
•Every month, the population of Copenhagen increases
by 1,000 people1
•96% of residents live within 15 minutes’ walking
distance of a recreational green area2
•Cyclists in Copenhagen collectively cycle 31x around the
world each day3
The view from Copenhagen
“The findings of the Cities Changing Diabetes research are
encouraging in that Copenhagen can clearly be considered a
healthy city. At the same time, we have much work to do to
ensure that we stay this way. The findings will enable us to
implement strategies and actions that address health inequalities
and support the health and wellbeing of all Copenhageners.”
Frank Jensen,
Mayor of Copenhagen
1. Copenhagen-Short-Leaflet_Web.pdf. 2015; http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Copenhagen-Short-Leaflet_Web.pdf.
2. Diderichsen F, Brønnum-Hansen H, Schnohr CW. Folkesundheden i København 2014 – i korte træk. Sundhedsforvaltningen, Københavns Kommune;2014.
3. Copenhagens-Biycle-Account-2014.pdf. 2015; http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Copenhagens-Biycle-Account-2014.pdf.
4. Holm A, Andersen G, Diderichsen F. Cities Changing Diabetes. Rule of Halves analysis for Copenhagen. Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen and Steno Diabetes
Center. 2015.
5. Novo Nordisk, Data on file. 2015
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