Persistent loneliness and social isolation may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study conducted by the University of Southern California.
Published in the Journal of Aging and Health, the study analysed health data from 3,833 individuals aged between 60 and 84 years. It concluded that older adults who frequently experienced loneliness or felt socially disconnected had a 34 per cent higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, while their blood sugar levels were 75 per cent more likely to rise to abnormal levels.
Researchers described the findings as particularly alarming in light of the global rise in ageing populations. “The data shows a clear link between sustained social disconnection and elevated health risks,” the lead author noted. “These risks are not just emotional or psychological—they manifest physically, and in the form of chronic conditions like diabetes.”
The study distinguishes between being socially isolated and feeling lonely. While the former involves limited social contact, the latter is a subjective experience that can persist despite having relationships. Both, however, have been linked to a range of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and weakened immunity.
An earlier study from the University of Cambridge in January 2025 also found that loneliness heightened the risk of life-threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. It recommended stronger familial and social ties as a form of preventative health care.
Similarly, researchers at Harbin Medical University in China reported in 2023 that loneliness and social isolation increased the risk of early mortality. Participants in their study tended to consume unbalanced diets, avoided physical activity, and showed signs of compromised immune responses.
Though researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation, they caution that current findings already provide sufficient evidence to treat loneliness as a public health concern. “We must recognise loneliness as a serious risk factor—not just a symptom of ageing, but a contributor to medical decline,” said a senior researcher involved in the USC study.
Experts are calling for policy-level interventions to address the issue, especially in ageing societies like Pakistan, where elderly care remains underdeveloped. “Strengthening community ties, creating inclusive social spaces for older people, and encouraging intergenerational interaction are now more urgent than ever,” said Dr Sameena Khwaja, a public health expert based in Lahore.
Globally, type 2 diabetes remains one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses, with the World Health Organization estimating over 400 million cases worldwide. The findings of this study underscore a lesser-known but critical factor in the disease’s development: the emotional and social environment.
