Loneliness Is Dangerous, More Than A Bad Diet, Smoking, Or Depression, Says New Study

It’s true loneliness is dangerous but more lethal than a bad diet, smoking, or depression? New study reveals its dangers for people with diabetes. Let’s uncover the details.

Why loneliness is dangerous?

A recent study conducted by researchers at Tulane University has shed light on how loneliness could be deadly and has a significant impact on heart disease risk among individuals with diabetes.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, followed over 18,500 adults aged 37 to 73, all diagnosed with diabetes but without preexisting heart disease.

Over the span of ten years, the study observed a notable occurrence of cardiovascular disease among around 3,200 participants

The findings revealed that loneliness is as lethal as smoking and individuals who reported higher levels of loneliness had a 26% increased risk of developing heart disease. Interestingly, the study did not associate social isolation, in the absence of loneliness, with any cardiovascular issues.

Loneliness has previously been recognized as a risk factor for heart disease among individuals without diabetes. This recent research highlights the compounded risks faced by diabetes patients, who already have an elevated likelihood of developing cardiovascular complications.

Another study published in Diabetologia earlier this year said loneliness is worse and is linked to an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.

The correlation between loneliness and health has been a growing concern. US surgeon general Vivek Murthy likened the adverse health impacts of social isolation to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day.

In a report released in May, Murthy emphasized the urgency of addressing social connection with the same vigor as tackling other public health crises like tobacco use and obesity.

Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and one of the study authors, stressed the importance of prioritizing quality social connections over the quantity of engagements for individuals with diabetes.

He recommended that loneliness assessments become a standard practice in diabetes care, enabling prompt referrals to mental health services when necessary.

Dr. Qi further advised patients with diabetes who experience loneliness to consider joining groups or classes that align with their interests, fostering opportunities to make meaningful connections.

Recognizing the profound impact of loneliness on both physical and emotional well-being, he emphasized the need to address this issue to safeguard the heart health of diabetes patients.

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