Research published in ‘Diabetologia’ suggests that loneliness is a possible risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The 20 year follow-up study examined whether loneliness is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and whether any association between loneliness and type 2 diabetes is mediated by symptoms of depression and insomnia.

Data from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT study) were used for the study (n=24,024). Self-reports of loneliness (HUNT2 survey, 1995–1997) and data on HbA1c levels (HUNT4 survey, 2017–2019) were analysed to evaluate the associations between loneliness and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Associations were reported as ORs with 95% CIs, adjusted for sex, age and education. Results from 20 year follow-up period revealed that 4.9% of the study participants developed type 2 diabetes.

Individuals who felt most lonely had a two fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes relative to those who did not feel lonely (adjusted OR 2.19 [95% CI 1.16, 4.15]). The effect of loneliness on type 2 diabetes was weakly mediated by one subtype of insomnia but not by symptoms of depression.

The researchers recommend that loneliness should be included in clinical guidelines on consultations and interventions related to type 2 diabetes.