Diabetes: Loneliness is silently increasing your diabetes risk, warns new study

Diabetes cause: Loneliness could be silently increasing your diabetes risk, says a new study (Image: Pexels)

We’ve long been told that diabetes is about sugar, weight, or how often you exercise. But new research suggests something quieter, something softer, could be contributing too, loneliness. Yes, that ache in the chest when silence stretches a little too long. Turns out, our emotional health may be deeply tied to our physical one.

It’s not the snacks, or the sitting, or even the skipped walks. A new study presented at ENDO 2025 has found that loneliness could be silently increasing your diabetes risk. Researchers at the University of Western Ontario studied 4,000 Americans over 50 and discovered something remarkable. Those who felt socially cut off had a 34 percent higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

It’s not simply about missing a friend or living alone. It’s what loneliness does inside your body. The researchers noticed a direct link between how connected someone felt, and their HbA1c levels, the very measure used to monitor long-term blood sugar control. In fact, already diagnosed diabetics who felt lonely were 75 percent more likely to struggle with sugar regulation.

Also read | Diabetes: 10 easy, effective habits to control blood sugar

The reason this is happening is because, emotional disconnect affects sleep, increases inflammation, lowers immunity, and leads to irregular eating. All of which wreak havoc on blood sugar levels. In other words, loneliness may be as metabolic as it is emotional.

The study broke down the impact further. Those who were “sometimes” lonely had a 36 percent higher chance of developing diabetes. Those “often” lonely? Even higher. This wasn’t a passing mood. It was measurable biology. And yet, unlike genetics or age, this is a modifiable factor. Something you can actually do something about.

Tips to fight loneliness and reduce your diabetes risk:

• Share your meals: Eating together, even if it’s just once a day, builds routine, warmth, and reduces emotional eating. Food, after all, is best served with conversation.

• Call and connect: You don’t need a reason. Just check in. A familiar voice can ground a person in ways that blood pressure pills simply can’t.

• Join local groups: Whether it’s a yoga class or a weekend art meet-up, showing up somewhere new builds belonging. It starts slowly, but it grows.

• Learn something new: Even a new recipe counts. Skills stimulate your brain and connect you with others who share your curiosity.

• Get a pet: Dogs and cats don’t judge. They listen, they cuddle, and they show up. Daily. Sometimes, companionship has four paws.

• Keep a hobby alive: Dig up that old interest; gardening, sketching, knitting, even humming old songs. Hobbies give your day structure and your mind peace.

• Stay busy and useful: Do small chores like making your own tea, folding your clothes, practising yoga, or watching your favourite shows and movies. These habits provide a sense of achievement and comfort.

• Seek help from technology: From using AI to learn a new skill or simply to talk, to watching films on OTT platforms or playing games on mobile apps, there are many ways technology can help. Just use it wisely, and you’ll have mental engagement at your fingertips.

• Be kind to yourself: It’s important that when you talk to yourself, you are positive and kind. Loneliness can play tricks on the mind. Learn to comfort, not criticise, yourself or others.

• Accept an invite: When a neighbour or relative invites you over for a cup of chai, accept the invitation. Volunteer to take care of someone’s plants while they’re away.