Lonely adults may have a higher risk of diabetes, study indicatese

By Admin

15 Jul, 2025

A Silent Health Threat Emerging from Isolation

Loneliness isn’t just an emotional burden it could also be a physical health risk, particularly for older adults. According to a new study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California, socially isolated adults aged 60 and older are more likely to suffer from diabetes and poor blood sugar control.

Dr. Samiya Khan, the lead researcher from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, emphasized the rising concern:

"Social isolation and loneliness have been increasingly recognized as important health risk factors after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings underscore the importance for clinicians to recognize social isolation as a critical social determinant of health when caring for older patients."

A National Perspective on a Global Issue

What makes this study particularly significant is its national relevance. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2003–2008. This comprehensive survey included 3,833 adults aged 60 to 84, representing approximately 38 million older Americans.

Their findings were alarming:

• Socially isolated adults were 34% more likely to have diabetes.
  
  

• They were also 75% more likely to have poor blood sugar control.
  
  

These percentages remained significant even after adjusting for other health and demographic factors, suggesting that social isolation is an independent risk factor for diabetes and glycemic instability.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

As Dr. Khan noted,

"These findings are especially relevant given the rapidly growing aging population in the United States and globally, alongside the widespread prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults."

While previous studies hinted at a link between social isolation and diabetes, this research is among the first to explore the connection using nationally representative data. This broader scope ensures the findings are applicable across diverse populations and healthcare settings.

Call to Action: The Need for Social Connection in Healthcare

This research sends a strong message to both healthcare providers and policymakers: social connection is more than emotional well-being it’s a vital sign.

“Physicians should recognize social isolation as a potential risk factor among elderly patients for both diabetes and high blood sugar,” said Dr. Khan.

Clinicians are encouraged to screen older patients for signs of social isolation and loneliness during routine checkups. Supporting social engagement, whether through community programs, telehealth, or family involvement, could be a key part of preventing or managing diabetes among aging adults.

In Summary

The study presented at ENDO 2025 makes it clear: loneliness can harm your health. Especially for the elderly, a lack of social connection could mean a greater risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes. As our population ages, ensuring that seniors remain socially engaged could be as important as managing their diet or medications.