Feeling of loneliness and social isolation may lead to type 2 diabetes, study finds

(Web Desk): A new medical study conducted in the United States has revealed that feelings of loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.

The research, carried out by the University of Southern California, found that socially isolated individuals, especially older adults, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes and high blood sugar.

The study analyzed the medical data of 3,833 individuals aged between 60 and 84.

After accounting for various factors, researchers discovered that people experiencing loneliness had a 34% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the likelihood of elevated blood sugar levels increased by up to 75% in these individuals.

It is important to note that social isolation refers to the lack of interaction or connection with others, while loneliness is defined as the feeling of being alone despite having social relationships.

Researchers explained that both social isolation and loneliness have been linked to multiple health issues.

“Our study shows that these factors also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” they stated. The findings are especially relevant in the modern era, where the number of elderly individuals is rising—and many of them live in isolation or suffer from loneliness.

Earlier, in January 2025, a study by the University of Cambridge, UK, reported that people who experience loneliness are at a significantly higher risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

That study found that interacting with friends and family helps maintain good health. According to the findings, social connection strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Similarly, a study published in June 2023 by Harbin Medical University in China found that people who feel lonely or are socially isolated face an increased risk of early death from any cause.

Researchers noted that while it is not yet fully understood how loneliness and isolation affect physical health, several contributing factors may be involved.

They stated that such individuals are less likely to eat healthy foods or engage in physical activity. Social isolation has also been linked to inflammation and weakened immune systems, both of which raise the risk of chronic illnesses.

The researchers acknowledged that while their study has certain limitations, further research is necessary to explore this connection in greater depth.