Loneliness, increases a person's risk of diabetes!

Loneliness, a "chronic inflammation," can dramatically increase the risk
of type 2 diabetes.

Recently, the well-known academic journal "Diabetes Mellitology" published a study entitled "Loneliness increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes: 20 years of follow-up - the results of the HUNT study", which found that long-term loneliness may double the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D)!

Loneliness, is a "chronic inflammation"

A growing body of research suggests a link
between psychological stress and an individual's risk of developing T2D.

Loneliness can cause a chronic, sometimes prolonged, painful state that can activate the body's physiological stress response
.
While the exact mechanism is not entirely clear, this response is thought to play an important role
in the development of T2D through mechanisms such as temporary insulin resistance caused by elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

This process also includes changes in the brain's regulation of dietary behavior, causing people to increase their appetite for carbohydrates, which in turn drives blood sugar levels up
.
Previous studies have confirmed an association
between loneliness and unhealthy eating habits, including high-sugar drinks and foods high in sugar/fat.

Figure 1 Possible mechanisms by which loneliness increases the risk of type 2 diabetes

Loneliness, or double the risk of diabetes!

The researchers explored the relationship between diabetes and loneliness using data from the HUNT study, which contains health information
for more than 230,000 people.
A total of 24,024 participants were included, and the participants' loneliness status ("no", "a little", "very lonely", and "extreme loneliness") was collected through questionnaires, based on HbA1c levels to assess T2D status
.

Of the 24,024 people, 1,179 (4.
9 percent) developed T2D over the course of the study (1995-2019), and the stronger the loneliness at baseline, the higher the risk of T2D and twice as likely to develop the disease as
participants who did not feel lonely.

Change the status quo and embrace a healthy life

Although the study did not explore mechanisms, the researchers note that greater support and participation in society may have a positive effect on
promoting healthy behaviour.
For example, caring from friends can have a positive impact on a person's diet, exercise, and overall feelings of stress toward a healthier lifestyle
.
The reduction/lack of social relationships makes lonely people more vulnerable, thereby increasing the risk of
developing T2D.
The researchers also recommend that diabetes-related clinical guidelines should consider including loneliness
.

Resources:

[1] Henriksen RE, Nilsen RM, Strandberg RB.
Loneliness increases the risk of type 2 diabetes: a 20 year follow-up - results from the HUNT study[J].
Diabetologia.
2022.
DOI: 10.
1007/s00125-022-05791-6, PMID:36168066

[2] Diabetologia.
Loneliness is associated with double the risk of developing diabetes[EB/OL].
[2022-9-28].
https://medicalxpress.
com/news/2022-09-loneliness-diabetes.
html.