Loneliness has been linked to several conditions, but new research suggests that diabetes could be added to the list. A new study published in Diabetologia
has found that feelings of loneliness are associated with a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
For the study, researchers used data from the HUNT study, a database containing the health information (from self-reported questionnaires, medical examinations, and blood samples) of more than 230,000 people that was obtained through four population surveys. The association between loneliness and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was examined, and whether insomnia and depression play a role.
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Researchers found that higher levels of loneliness were strongly associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes when assessed 20 years later. It was recorded that people who responded “very much” when asked whether they felt lonely were twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not feel lonely.
The study also showed that the relationship between loneliness and type 2 diabetes was not altered by the presence of depression, sleep-onset insomnia, or terminal insomnia. However, it was noted that there was evidence of a link to sleep maintenance insomnia.
Researchers believe this link involves psychological stress. Loneliness can create a chronic, long-lasting state of distress which may activate the body’s physiological stress response. The mechanisms behind this are still not fully understood. Still, it is believed to play a central role in developing type 2 diabetes through temporary insulin resistance brought on by elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
This process has also been previously found to involve changes in the regulation of eating behavior by the brain. This can lead to an increased appetite for carbohydrates and subsequently elevated blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle Factors for Prevention
As previous studies have shown, lifestyle factors can play an important role in disease prevention. Diet, physical activity, limiting smoking and alcohol, and social interaction as vital in helping people reduce their risk. As this study shows, loneliness can increase the risk of diabetes, so getting involved in social activities or joining clubs or groups can help with not only feelings of loneliness but overall health.
Reducing the risk of diabetes also involves maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Healthy Blood Sugar Support uses several ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies to help maintain blood sugar levels. The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood-sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
