The Loneliness Epidemic Impacts Mental Health, and May Also Increase Risk of Diabetes
In an increasingly built society on individuality and depends on technology instead of a face to face connection, it is not surprising that people feel more soluble. The so-called “loneliness epidemic” fueled an increase in mental health problems, especially during the Pandemic COVID-19. But what starts as a psychological challenge now turns out to have serious physical consequences.
During the annual meeting of endocrine Society in San Francisco (ENDO2025), researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California presented a study on how social isolation can increase the risk of diabetes and poor blood sugar control in the elderly.
“These results are particularly relevant given the aging population at rapid growth in the United States and in the world, in parallel with the general prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in the elderly,” said the main researcher Samiya Khan in a press release.
Loneliness affects all ages
Social connections are essential for our mental and physical well-being, but social isolation and loneliness remain neglected risk factors, affecting people of all ages. Worldwide, about one in six people experiences solitude, with roughly 12% of the elderly signaling persistent feelings of isolation.
While loneliness often makes headlines for its links with depression and anxiety, a large number of research shows that it can also harm physical healthfrom the heart and the immune system to the hormonal balance.
A lack of social ties can encourage a more sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and less motivation to stick to healthy habits. Over time, this can be added to serious consequences, such as poor control of blood sugar.
Find out more: The brain scanner reveals that loneliness changes the way we see the world
Socially isolated and diabetic
Endocrinologists (hormone and metabolism experts) are at the first line of combating complex health conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Khan’s study, presented at Endo2025, is among the first to explore how social isolation affects blood sugar through a national sample on a national scale. The research team analyzed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes), which monitors the health of adults and children across the United States
By examining the data of 3,833 adults aged 60 to 84 years (representing around 38 million older Americans) found that socially isolated elderly people were 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% chance of fighting with poor blood sugar control compared to those who have remained socially connected, even by counting other factors.
A neglected risk factor
“Social isolation and loneliness have been increasingly recognized as significant risk factors after the Pandemic COVID-19,” said Khan. “Our results highlight the importance for clinicians to recognize social isolation as a critical social determinant of health when taking care of older patients.”
Staying connected can play a more important role in your health than you think. Social support can help people stick to healthy habits like eating, exercising, quitting smoking and taking medication as prescribed.
“These results highlight the importance of social ties for the well-being of the elderly,” added Khan. “Doctors should recognize social isolation as a potential risk factor in elderly patients for diabetes and high blood sugar.”
Although there is no miracle solution for loneliness, feeding friendships, joining community groups or simply taking the time to connect can help protect your mental and physical health for years to come.
Find out more: How loneliness can have an impact on a person’s health and well-being
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Having worked as a biomedical research assistant in laboratories in three countries, Jenny excels in translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the last nutritions – into accessible and engaging content. His interests extend to subjects such as human evolution, psychology and stories of eccentric animals. When it is not immersed in a popular scientific book, you will find it to catch waves or sail on the island of Vancouver on its longboard.
