Experts are calling for policy-level interventions to address the problem, especially in aging societies like Pakistan, where eldercare is underdeveloped. “
Loneliness & Social Isolation Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, New Study Finds. Chronic loneliness and social isolation can significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study from the University of Southern California.
The study, published in the Journal of Aging and Health, analyzed health data from 3,833 people aged 60 to 84. It concluded that older adults who frequently experienced loneliness or felt socially isolated were 34 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, while their blood sugar levels were 75 percent more likely to rise to abnormal levels.
The researchers called the findings particularly concerning in light of the global increase in the aging population. “The data shows a clear link between chronic social isolation and elevated health risks,” the lead author noted. “These risks are not just emotional or psychological — they manifest physically, and in the case 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 relationships. However, both have been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and weakened immunity.
A preliminary study from the University of Cambridge in January 2025 also found that loneliness increases the risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and stroke. It recommended strong family and social ties as a form of preventive health care.
Similarly, researchers from Harbin Medical University in China reported in 2023 that loneliness and social isolation increased the risk of early death. Participants in their study consumed an unbalanced diet, avoided physical activity, and showed signs of a compromised immune response.
While the researchers acknowledge the need for further research, they caution that the current findings already provide sufficient evidence to treat loneliness as a public health concern. “We must recognize loneliness as a serious risk factor — not just a symptom of aging, 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 problem, especially in aging societies like Pakistan, where eldercare is underdeveloped. “Strengthening community ties, creating inclusive social spaces for older people, and encouraging intergenerational interaction are more important now than ever,” said Dr. Samina Khawaja, a public health expert based in Lahore.
Globally, type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, with more than 400 million cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The study’s findings point to a lesser-known but important factor in the development of the disease: the emotional and social environment.
