Aim <p>This scoping review investigates whether proximity to green and blue spaces affects hospitalization rates of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), potentially influencing healthcare access and disease management outcomes.</p> Subject and methods <p>According to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for writing scoping reviews, we reviewed the literature on green and blue spaces and T2DM hospitalization rates. Our search yielded 598 abstracts, of which only nine articles met our inclusion criteria after a blind selection process. We used ‘hospitalization’ as a proxy for T2DM burden, focusing on urban versus rural settings and potential cost implications.</p> Results <p>The paucity of the collected studies highlights a research gap in the topic that we assessed. The few studies found seem to suggest a limited association between urban green/blue spaces and reduced T2DM hospitalizations, although more comprehensive studies are required to draw effective and reliable conclusions. The reviewed data suggest higher T2DM prevalence and hospital admissions in urban areas, with remarkable socio-demographic disparities impacting healthcare utilization and access to preventive resources. Findings from international healthcare systems underscore the role of urban planning and equitable resource allocation in chronic disease management.</p> Conclusion <p>Although existing research suggests that green and blue spaces may positively influence T2DM management and reduce hospitalizations, further studies are needed to assess causal relationships. Integrating urban health perspectives, especially in areas with rapid urbanization, may offer critical insights for reducing T2DM’s healthcare burden through environmental and preventive strategies.</p>