Loneliness is a common human experience that can affect both physical and mental health.

It is a feeling of being disconnected from others, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as social isolation, lack of social support, or even the feeling of being alone in a crowded room.

Studies have shown that loneliness can have a negative impact on chronic health conditions such as diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way your body processes blood glucose, or blood sugar.

About 463 million people worldwide live with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045 (International Diabetes Federation, 2019).

What is Diabetes?

Before diving into the relationship between loneliness and diabetes, it’s essential to understand what diabetes is and the various types of diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body is unable to produce or use insulin hormone effectively. Insulin hormone is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels in the body. There are three main types of diabetes:.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas gland, which produce insulin.

This type of diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults, and it requires insulin injections or a pump to manage the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and it is usually associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.

Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin injections.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes affect the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Women with this type of diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The link between loneliness and diabetes

Loneliness can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can aggravate symptoms for individuals already living with the condition.

In a study published in the journal Diabetic Medicine, researchers found that loneliness and social isolation are associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (Zhao et al., 2018).

The study found that lonely adults had a 22% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who were not lonely. Moreover, social isolation was associated with a 30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Another study published in the Journal of the South Asian Federations of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Elevated HbA1c levels can indicate poor diabetes control and increase the risk of diabetic complications (Kumar et al., 2019).

Why does loneliness affect diabetes?

The link between loneliness and diabetes may seem unclear, but multiple theories attempt to explain how loneliness can affect diabetes.

The first theory suggests that stress caused by loneliness can lead to changes in blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. When people are lonely, they may also be more likely to experience psychological stress, which can increase cortisol levels, leading to an increase in blood glucose (Brondolo et al., 2008).

The second theory suggests that individuals who experience loneliness may have an unhealthy lifestyle, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For example, people who experience loneliness may be less likely to exercise, eat healthy foods, or seek medical attention when needed (Bardage et al., 2011).

The third theory suggests that social support can affect diabetes management.

Individuals who experience loneliness may not have access to social support systems that can provide them with emotional support, encouragement, and help them manage diabetes-related stress (Sorkin et al., 2001).

How to Reduce Loneliness?

Reducing loneliness can be beneficial for overall health, including diabetes management. Here are few tips to consider:.

Join a social group or club. Joining a group of people with similar interests can provide social interaction and reduce loneliness.
Volunteer in your local community or help someone in need. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and connection to others.
Stay in touch with friends and family. Regular communication with loved ones can reduce loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
Find a support group. For people with diabetes, joining a local support group can provide emotional support and help them cope with the condition.
Try a new hobby or activity. Exploring new hobbies or activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and social interaction.

Conclusion

Loneliness is a risk factor that can affect multiple aspects of health, including diabetes management.

The link between loneliness and diabetes may seem unclear, but multiple studies and theories suggest that social isolation can lead to an increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As such, it’s essential to take proactive steps to reduce loneliness to improve overall health and well being.