Loneliness, or increased risk of diabetes

Introduction: Loneliness, a "chronic inflammation," may significantly increase the risk of
type 2 diabetes.

Recently, the well-known academic journal "Diabetology" published a study entitled "Loneliness increases the risk of type 2 diabetes: 20-year follow-up - results of the HUNT study", which found that long-term loneliness may greatly increase
the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Loneliness is a kind of "chronic inflammation"

A growing body of research suggests a link
between psychological stress and an individual's risk of developing T2D.
Loneliness causes a chronic, sometimes chronic, distressing state that may activate the body's physiological stress response
.
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, 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 eating behavior, which increases people's appetite for carbohydrates, which in turn drives up
blood sugar levels.
Previous studies have confirmed an association
between loneliness and unhealthy eating habits, including high-sugar beverages and high-sugar/fatty foods.

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

Loneliness may double the risk of diabetes!

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

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

Change the status quo and embrace healthy living

Although the study did not explore mechanisms, the researchers noted that greater support and participation in society may have a positive impact
on promoting healthy behaviors.
For example, concern from a friend may have a positive impact on a person's diet, exercise, and overall sense of stress toward a healthier lifestyle
.
And the reduction/lack of social connections can make lonely people more vulnerable, increasing the risk of
developing T2D.
The researchers also recommend that clinical guidelines related to diabetes should consider incorporating 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.