Data link risk of developing type 2 diabetes to psychological stress
People who feel lonely are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new study published on SpringerLink.
The incidence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Associate Professor Roger E. Henriksen and colleagues at the University of Applied Sciences in Norway examined the association between the risk of developing T2D and feelings of loneliness, taking into account depression and insomnia.
There is a growing body of evidence linking the risk of developing type 2 diabetes to psychological stress. Feelings of loneliness can activate the body’s physiological response to stress, as they often lead to a state of chronic distress.
“Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, the activation of physiological stress responses over time is thought to play a central role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes,” notes Henriksen. “
Additionally, this process also involves changes in how the brain regulates eating behavior and appetite. These changes lead to increased appetite and are associated with high blood sugar levels.
Previous studies have shown that strong feelings of loneliness are linked to the consumption of fatty and sugary foods.
