Social isolation adds to diabetes risk

Social participation in clubs and groups has been linked to a lower risk of diabetes.

A study found that socially isolated individuals were diagnosed with type two diabetes more often than individuals with larger social networks.

A lack of participation in clubs or other social groups was associated with 60 per cent higher odds of pre-dia- betes and a 112 per cent greater chance of type two diabetes in women compared to those with normal glucose metabolism.

In men, lack of social participation was associated with a 42 per cent higher risk of type two diabetes, the research carried out in the Netherlands found.

Men living alone were also associated with 94 per cent higher odds of type two diabetes.

Dr Miranda Schram, of Maastricht University, said: “High-risk groups for type two diabetes should broaden their network and should be encouraged to make new friends, as well as become members of a club such as a volunteer organisation, sports club or discussion group.

The study, which involved 2,861 participants, has been published in the open access journal BMC Public Health.