A study conducted by Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine found that the quality of social contact is more crucial for heart health in individuals with diabetes than the quantity of engagements. Loneliness and social isolation have become significant research topics, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing digitalization of society. Loneliness refers to the quality of social contacts, while isolation refers to the quantity. Humans inherently require meaningful social relationships for healthy development. Patients with diabetes are more likely to be lonely and have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have shown a link between loneliness, social isolation, and cardiovascular disease in the general population. The study included 18,509 adults with diabetes in the UK Biobank and assessed loneliness and isolation with questionnaires. Participants with higher loneliness scores had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while social isolation scores were not significantly related to any cardiovascular outcomes. Loneliness ranked higher as a predisposing factor for cardiovascular disease than several lifestyle habits, including smoking, physical activity, and diet. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing loneliness in patients with diabetes by encouraging them to join groups or classes and make friends with shared interests. It also highlights the need for meaningful social interactions for overall physical and mental well-being.

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