Loneliness Linked to Type 2 Diabetes! A recent study has discovered a surprising relationship between loneliness and the developm...
Loneliness Linked to Type 2 Diabetes!
A
recent study has discovered a surprising relationship between
loneliness and the development of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that
having a smaller network of friends could possibly make us more likely
to contract the illness.
As
with any similar research, the precise nature of this link isn't clear..
However, it's as good a reason as any to reach out to make sure that
those isolated and alone this Christmas know that they have friends to
socialize with.
While
type 1 diabetes is a lifelong auto-immune disease that usually develops
in childhood, type 2 diabetes refers to the body's increasing
resistance to insulin, which develops at any age. While we are aware of
various genetic and lifestyle factors that can raise the risk of its
onset, the exact mechanisms are still unknown.
Previous studies have explored the links between social structures and type 2 diabetes, looking for clues in factors such as stress and emotional support that could help us improve lifestyle decisions.
Previous studies have explored the links between social structures and type 2 diabetes, looking for clues in factors such as stress and emotional support that could help us improve lifestyle decisions.
Researchers
at Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands made use of
an existing study's database of individuals suffering from type 2
diabetes to try and find out exactly what features of isolation might be
linked with the condition.
Overall,
they analyzed 2,861 subjects aged between 40 and 75, about a third of
which were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes either previously or as part
of the study. Characteristics of their social outings were collected
using a questionnaire, giving researchers a range of details on their
friend network size, frequency of contact, and how far away they lived.
They
found out that having a smaller network of friends was highly
associated with a new or previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes among men
and women. It was also found that the proximity of family, friends, and
acquaintances made a difference for women - having people nearby to
hang out with meant they were less likely to contract type 2 diabetes.
For men, living alone seemed to make a difference - those who had
housemates were less likely to contract the disease.
Stephanie Brinkhues, the study's lead author, says that "our findings support the idea that resolving social isolation may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes."
Stephanie Brinkhues, the study's lead author, says that "our findings support the idea that resolving social isolation may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes."
So
what does this all mean? Diabetes isn't the only long-term disorder
connected to social isolation, and it's highly unlikely that such health
conditions are themselves responsible for the isolation.
The underlying reasons behind the link are unclear, but the authors believe that the implications are still clear.
Miranda
Schram, a Maastricht University diabetes researcher, says that
"high-risk groups for type 2 diabetes should broaden their network and
should be encouraged to make new friends, as well as become members of a
club, such as a volunteer organization, sports club, or discussion
group."
So this Christmas, reach out to a lonely neighbor. Not only is it a nice gesture, but it could also help save their health.
Picture credit: Pixabay