Work

OR24-07 Social Isolation Is Associated With Diabetes and Poor Glycemic Control Among Older Adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Disclosure: S. Khan: None. F. Khan: None. A. Lampe Dominguez: None. Background: Social Isolation and loneliness have been increasingly recognized as important health risk factors after the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults are at high risk for social isolation and loneliness due to factors such as chronic illness and loss of loved ones or partners. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we examined the association of social isolation with diabetes and glycemic control among US adults aged 60-84. We utilized nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003-2008. Following the methods of previous NHANES studies, we assessed social isolation using the Social Isolation Score (SIS), derived from the validated Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. The SIS uses a 4-point scale of items related to social support, with a score of two or greater indicating “socially isolated”. Participants were categorized as having diabetes based on self-report. Poor glycemic control was defined as having an A1c >8%. Covariates included sociodemographic factors, smoking, alcohol, BMI, physical activity level, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Results: 3,833 adults aged 60-84 were identified of which 526 individuals (13.71%) were isolated and 3,307 (86.29%) were non-isolated. Adjusted multivariate regression showed that compared to non-socially isolated older adults, socially isolated older adults had 34% higher odds of having diabetes (aOR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04- 1.73, p= 0.023) and 75% greater odds of having poor glycemic control (aOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.10- 2.80, p=0.019). Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of social connections for the wellbeing of older adults. Physicians should recognize social isolation as a potential risk factor among elderly patients for both diabetes and hyperglycemia. Because this study was cross-sectional, future prospective research is needed to examine causal relationships and temporality. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Source: Journal of the Endocrine Society

Authors: Samiya Khan, Farhaad Khan, Alyssa Lampe Dominguez

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,255

Funders: Medical University of South Carolina, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston