The Effects of Environmental Factors on Diabetes Mortality: A Spatiotemporal Approach

Abstract

This thesis explored the associations between climate variations, extreme weather events, environmental factors, and diabetes mortality in Shandong, China, aiming to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable populations. Leveraging Geographical Information Systems and Bayesian spatiotemporal methods, the research emphasized notable associations between diabetes mortality and climate, heatwaves and particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter exposure. Furthermore, the study revealed regional disparities, showing environmental factors affect diabetes mortality differently between inland and coastal regions, and the spatial correlations and time trends were identified. These findings offer critical evidence for developing targeted prevention strategies to mitigate diabetes-related mortality in the region.