Loneliness increases the risk of type 2 diabetes: a 20 year follow-up – results from the HUNT study

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of death globally and its incidence has increased dramatically over the last two decades. Recent research suggests that loneliness is a possible risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This 20 year follow-up study examined whether loneliness is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. As both loneliness and type 2 diabetes have been linked to depression and sleep problems, we also investigated whether any association between loneliness and type 2 diabetes is mediated by symptoms of depression and insomnia. Methods We used data from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT study), a large longitudinal health study based on a population from central Norway (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 incidence of type 2 diabetes. Associations were reported as ORs with 95% CIs, adjusted for sex, age and education. We further investigated the role of depression and insomnia as potential mediating factors. Results During the 20 year follow-up period, 4.9% of the study participants developed type 2 diabetes. Various degrees of feeling lonely were reported by 12.6% of the participants. Individuals who felt most lonely had a twofold 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. Conclusions/interpretation This study suggests that loneliness may be one factor that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes; however, there is no strong support that the effect of loneliness on type 2 diabetes is mediated by depression or insomnia. We recommend that loneliness should be included in clinical guidelines on consultations and interventions related to type 2 diabetes. Graphical abstract

An Intersectional Perspective on Onset of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults aged 50 and older in Europe: A Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy

“…In line with this nding, a previous study using data from a nationwide cohort study in Korea also identi ed living alone as a risk factor for T2D (31). Living alone may increase psychological stress and feelings of loneliness, which have been established as risk factors for T2D (32). Furthermore, living alone may lead to social isolation and result in reduced access to social and emotional support networks, which are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being (33).…”

Mitochondria: It is all about energy

“…Related to metabolic changes observed in loneliness or chronic isolation, HPA axis chronic activation leads to the elevated secretion of cortisol, increased blood glucose, glycogenolysis, and insulin resistance that ends up in engaging in unhealthy habits and decreasing satiety signaling. A recent 20-year follow-up study including 24,024 participants found that loneliness was associated with a twofold risk of type 2 diabetes in participants who informed “very much” on experiencing loneliness than those who had not felt lonely ( Henriksen et al, 2022 ).…”

Update on technologies, medicines and treatments

“…A new study suggests that loneliness can double the risk of developing diabetes. 2 The study reviewed responses to health questionnaires, medical examinations, and blood samples from 24,024 people who participated in these tests between 1995 and 1997. They selected people who did not have diabetes and whose blood results were available.…”