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Social disconnection emerged as a potential driver of type 2 diabetes, revealing the hidden metabolic cost of loneliness and isolation.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in June 2025 issue of Primary Care Diabetes to examine the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and the incidence risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).  

They searched various electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, to identify qualitative studies comparing the incidence of T2DM among individuals experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Statistical analysis was conducted by Review Manager version 5.4 with a random effects model.  

The results showed that loneliness was related to a higher incidence of T2DM [OR: 1.44; 95%CI: 1.19–1.73; P: 0.0001], with high heterogeneity [I² = 95%]. Sensitivity analysis revealed variability due to differing loneliness assessments. Social isolation was also significantly associated with T2DM [OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.38–2.58; P: <0.0001], with heterogeneity remaining high [I² = 98%].  

Investigators concluded that social isolation and loneliness were independently linked to a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, highlighting the importance of addressing psychosocial factors in its management. 

Source: primary-care-diabetes.com/article/S1751-9918(25)00079-8/abstract