Key result
Loneliness was independently associated with higher levels of HbA1c, but not other vascular biomarkers, in a community-dwelling elderly population.
Why the study?
Is loneliness associated with elevated vascular disease biomarkers in a community-dwelling elderly population?
Cross-Sectional (n=466)
Is loneliness associated with elevated vascular disease biomarkers in a community-dwelling elderly population?
Loneliness in the elderly is independently associated with higher HbA1c levels, suggesting a potential link between social isolation and metabolic/vascular risk.
May warrant loneliness screening in older adults with hyperglycemia; leaves open whether interventions improve glycemic control or vascular outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Loneliness has been associated with poor physical health and a link has been suggested between the presence of loneliness, cardiovascular health and inflammatory markers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between vascular disease biomarkers and loneliness in a community-dwelling non-demented elderly population. DESIGN: cross-sectional community based assessment. PARTICIPANTS: 466 subjects with mean age 75.45 (SD, 6.06) years. 208 (44.6%) were male. RESULTS: Higher levels of HbA1c, but not other vascular biomarkers were independently associated with being lonely. CONCLUSION: Loneliness was associated with raised levels of HbA1c in a community dwelling elderly population. The mechanism for this association has yet to be elucidated but may reflect an abnormal stress response in people who are lonely.
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O’Luanaigh et al. (2011) conducted a cross-sectional in Community-dwelling non-demented elderly (n=466). Loneliness was evaluated on Vascular disease biomarkers (including HbA1c). Loneliness was independently associated with higher levels of HbA1c, but not other vascular biomarkers, in a community-dwelling elderly population.
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