Could Social Isolation Be Raising Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

News Desk

Islamabad: Persistent loneliness and social isolation may significantly heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Southern California.

Published in the Journal of Aging and Health, the study examined health data from 3,833 individuals aged 60 to 84. It found that older adults who frequently felt lonely or socially disconnected had a 34% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, their blood sugar levels were 75% more likely to rise to abnormal levels.

Researchers described these findings as especially concerning given the global increase in ageing populations. “The evidence clearly links prolonged social disconnection to serious health risks,” said the lead author. “These effects go beyond emotional distress—they manifest physically in the form of chronic illnesses like diabetes.”

The study drew a distinction between social isolation—having limited contact with others—and loneliness, which is a subjective sense of being alone even when social connections exist. Both were linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, weakened immunity, and increased stroke risk.

This research aligns with earlier studies, such as a January 2025 study from the University of Cambridge, which found that loneliness significantly raised the risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease and stroke. It recommended that stronger social and familial bonds be considered an essential aspect of preventive healthcare.

Likewise, a 2023 study by Harbin Medical University in China concluded that loneliness and isolation were associated with early mortality. Participants often had poor diets, low physical activity, and showed signs of weakened immune function.

Although further studies are needed, researchers emphasize that current findings are compelling enough to treat loneliness as a serious public health issue. “Loneliness should not be seen merely as a symptom of aging, but as a contributing factor to medical decline,” noted a senior researcher from USC.

Experts are urging policy-level action, particularly in countries like Pakistan where elderly care systems are still developing. “There is an urgent need to build stronger community networks, foster intergenerational engagement, and create inclusive spaces for older adults,” said Dr. Sameena Khwaja, a public health expert based in Lahore.

With over 400 million people affected by type 2 diabetes globally, according to the World Health Organization, this study highlights an often-overlooked but crucial factor in its development: the role of emotional and social well-being.