This study on diabetes was published in the journal BMC Public Health, the team involved 2,861 men and women aged 40 to 75 years.
1.7 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes. Pixabay
"As men living alone seem to be at a higher risk for the development of type 2, they should become recognised as a high risk group in health care. Social network size and participation in social activities may eventually be used as indicators of diabetes risk," said co-author Miranda Schram, from the varsity.
Early changes in glucose metabolism may cause non-specific complaints such as tiredness and feeling unwell, which may explain why individuals limit their social participation.
Promoting social integration and participation may be a promising target in prevention strategies for type 2, the researchers suggested.
"Our findings support the idea that resolving social isolation may help prevent the development of Type 2," said lead author Stephanie Brinkhues, from the Maastricht University Medical Centre, in the Netherlands.