A new study has found a strong link between loneliness and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Texas and the University of California, San Francisco, was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study

The researchers analyzed data from 2,861 adults aged over 45 who were participating in the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study of aging in the United States.

The participants were asked to rate their loneliness on a scale of 1 to 3 (1 being ‘hardly ever’, 2 being ‘some of the time’ and 3 being ‘often’).

The researchers found that those who reported feeling lonely ‘often’ were 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes over the course of the study than those who reported feeling lonely ‘hardly ever’.

The link between loneliness and diabetes

The researchers believe that the link between loneliness and diabetes may be due to a hormonal response to stress. When we’re lonely, our bodies produce more stress hormones, which can cause insulin resistance and lead to an increased risk of diabetes.

Related Article Loneliness a key factor in diabetes development, says research

Another possible explanation is that people who are lonely are more likely to make unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as overeating, smoking and drinking, which can increase the risk of diabetes.

The implications of the study

The study highlights the importance of addressing loneliness as a risk factor for diabetes. This could involve interventions such as social support programs, which aim to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The researchers also suggest that doctors should be aware of loneliness as a risk factor when assessing patients’ risk of developing diabetes, and that they should consider screening patients for loneliness.

Conclusion

The study provides important insights into the link between loneliness and diabetes, and highlights the need for interventions to address this risk factor.

By addressing loneliness, we can help to reduce the risk of diabetes and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals.