Joined the programme in 2020
Genoa has defined itself as the health city of the Italian northern west coast. With an administration strongly committed to guaranteeing health and well-being for its citizens, the city has taken important steps in favour of more healthy lifestyles which are being further strengthened as part of the Cities for Better Health programme.
Historically, the city of Genoa has represented a meeting point between different cultures and absorbed diverse migratory flows. At the end of 2020, immigrants made up 9.5% of the population in Genoa1. The metropolitan city of Genoa has witnessed a progressive reduction in its resident population, and a significant proportion of the remaining residents are considered elderly. Of the 823,000 residents of Genoa, roughly 30% are over the age of 652.
Changes in demographics affect both the prevalence of diabetes and the nature of diabetes interventions, which need to be culturally appropriate to be effective. Approximately 5.5% of the adults in Genoa are living with diabetes and this number is expected to increase.3
The diabetes challenge in Genoa
5.5%
of the adults in Genoa are living with diabetes3
30%
Roughly 30% of Genoa’s residents are over the age of 652
Screening among at-risk populations
Based on the collected socio-demographic and epidemiological data, Cities for Better Health Genoa launched a screening programme in the metropolitan area to identify residents at risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The programme is being rolled out in collaboration with local pharmacists and general practitioners. To encourage physical activity among the identified at-risk residents, Cities for Better Health Genoa is in the process of mapping swimming pools and gyms to promote their easy access.
Practical training for health managers
In May 2022, Cities for Better Health Genoa organised a Health City Manager course with support from Associazione Nazionale Comuni Italiani (ANCI). The special course will prepare post-graduate students to support local authorities in incorporating health into all political frameworks.
“The city of Genoa wants to develop concrete actions starting from the study of data in order to identify cultural and social dynamics that affect the vulnerability of diabetes.”
— Cities for Better Health stakeholder
Health City Institute
Genoa Municipality
University of Genoa
Liguria Region
Italian Municipalities Association (ANCI)
Italian Diabetes Society (SID)
Italian Diabetologist Association (AMD)
Local Patient Association and Citizen Defender
Irene Moretti. Genova Cities for Better Health, presentato oggi l’Atlas che fotografa le problematiche legate al diabete in città. Comune di Genova. Accessed 24 June, 2022. https://smart.comune.genova.it/articoli/genova-cities-changing-diabetes-presentato-oggi-l’atlas-che-fotografa-le-problematiche
Cristina Carbotti. Diabete, Genova tra le città del progetto Cities Changing Diabetes. Updated 28 April 2022. Accessed 24 June, 2022. https://www.rainews.it/tgr/liguria/video/2022/04/lig-genova-diabete-atlas-cities-changing-diabetes-palazzo-tursi-79e17f20-60ea-4cce-aa49-54625d962375.html
Diabetes Atlas Genova: Atlas Genova 25-1-2022 by raffaelecreativagroupcom - Issue
