In a study from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, scientists found that feelings of loneliness are linked to a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Much research has pointed to a link between psychological stress and an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Loneliness creates a chronic and sometimes long-lasting state of distress which may activate the body’s physiological stress response.
This response may play a central role in the development of type 2 diabetes through mechanisms such as temporary insulin resistance brought on by elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
This process also involves changes in the regulation of eating behavior by the brain, causing an increased appetite for carbohydrates and subsequent elevated blood sugar levels.
Previous studies have found an association between loneliness and unhealthy eating including higher consumption of sugary drinks and foods rich in sugars and fats.
In the study, the team used data from more than 24,000 people.
Out of these people, 1,179 (4.9%) went on to develop type 2 diabetes over the course of the study (1995-2019).
These individuals were more likely to be men (59% vs. 44%) and had a higher mean age (48 years vs. 43 years) than those without type 2 diabetes.
They were also more likely to be married (73% vs. 68%) and have the lowest level of education (35% vs. 23%). Feelings of loneliness were reported by 13% of participants.
The team found that higher levels of loneliness at baseline were strongly linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes when measured 20 years later.
The researchers found that participants who responded “very much” when asked whether they had felt lonely were twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not feel lonely.
Further analysis showed that this link was not altered by the presence of depression, sleep-onset insomnia or terminal insomnia, although the team did find evidence of a link to sleep maintenance insomnia.
Although their study did not examine the exact mechanisms involved, the researchers note that social support, influence and engagement may have positive effects on health-promoting behaviors.
For example, advice and support from a friend may influence an individual’s health-related choices and have a positive effect on their diet, physical activity level and overall feelings of stress.
Fewer social ties and a lack of these positive influences can make lonely people more vulnerable to behavior which could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you care about depression, please read studies about the key to depression recovery, and this stuff in your diet may cause depression.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about the link between COVID-19 and diabetes, and results showing scientists find way to treat diabetes without drugs.
The study was conducted by Roger E. Henriksen et al and published in Diabetologia.
Copyright © 2022 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
