Staying socially connected isn’t just good for the soul—it may also help protect against serious health problems. A new study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, suggests that older adults who are socially isolated face a much higher risk of diabetes and poor blood sugar control.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2003 and 2008. This nationally representative survey tracks the health of adults and children across the U.S., making the findings relevant to millions of Americans.
The study looked at 3,833 adults between the ages of 60 and 84, representing nearly 38 million older people nationwide. After accounting for other health and lifestyle factors, the results were striking:
- Older adults who were socially isolated were 34% more likely to have diabetes.
- They were also 75% more likely to struggle with blood sugar management compared to peers who had stronger social connections.
This makes social isolation an overlooked but important risk factor for both diabetes and poor glycemic control.
“Physicians should recognize social isolation as a potential risk factor among elderly patients for both diabetes and high blood sugar,” lead researcher Rida Khan explained. “These findings underscore the importance of social connections for the wellbeing of older adults.”
Why Social Connections Matter for Health
Loneliness and isolation can increase stress, disrupt sleep, and make it harder to stick with healthy habits like eating well and staying active—all of which play a role in blood sugar regulation. Over time, this can raise the risk of developing diabetes or make it harder for those already diagnosed to manage the condition effectively.
What Families and Caregivers Can Do
The good news? Building connections can help. Whether it’s through family visits, community groups, faith-based activities, or simply checking in with a neighbor, social engagement may be a surprisingly powerful tool for supporting health.
If you have an older loved one who lives alone, encouraging social interaction could do more than brighten their day—it might also support their long-term health.
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