A new study suggests that the risk of type 2 diabetes may not only come from what people eat or how much they exercise, but also from how they feel and live day to day.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University and their partners have used a new artificial intelligence system to show that loneliness, poor sleep, and mental health problems may strongly increase the chance of developing diabetes later in life. The study was published in Frontiers in Digital Health.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body cannot properly manage blood sugar. It is one of the most common long-term illnesses and is increasing around the world. Doctors have traditionally tried to predict risk by looking at physical factors such as weight, blood pressure, and age. While these are important, they do not tell the full story.
In this study, scientists used a new tool called a digital twin model. This system creates a virtual version of a person using their lifestyle and health data. It allows researchers to test how different life situations might affect health over time without doing real experiments on people.
The team studied nearly 20,000 adults from the UK Biobank and followed their data for up to 17 years. They focused on everyday factors like sleep quality, emotional health, and feelings of social connection.
The results showed that people who experienced loneliness, insomnia, or poor mental health had a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. When these problems happened together, the risk increased even more. This suggests that emotional stress plays a major role in long-term physical health.
The reason may be linked to how the body reacts to stress. When a person is under constant stress, the body produces hormones that can raise blood sugar and cause inflammation. Over time, this can damage the body’s ability to control sugar levels.
The study also found that people dealing with stress were more likely to eat unhealthy foods, which can further increase diabetes risk. This shows how emotional and physical factors are closely connected.
The model also highlighted differences between ethnic groups. People from certain backgrounds had higher predicted risks, which reflects patterns already seen in public health research.
One of the strengths of this study is that it does not rely on expensive medical tests or wearable devices. This means it could be used in more places, including areas with limited resources.
However, the study also has weaknesses. Because it uses a model, it cannot prove that these factors directly cause diabetes. It only shows strong links. More research is needed to confirm these results and to explore how they can be used in healthcare.
In conclusion, this study suggests that taking care of mental health and social well-being may be just as important as diet and exercise in preventing type 2 diabetes. It encourages a more complete view of health that includes both body and mind.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
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Source: Anglia Ruskin University.
