Medical Bulletin 16/Jul/2025

A study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, reveals that socially isolated older adults face a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes and poor blood sugar control, highlighting social isolation as a key health concern.

The research sheds light on the hidden health risks tied to loneliness and lack of social connection among older adults, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the global aging population growing rapidly and social isolation becoming more prevalent, the study emphasizes the importance of social support networks in protecting the health of older adults. While previous studies have hinted at a connection between social isolation and diabetes, this new research is one of the first to assess its impact on glycemic control using data from a nationally representative population sample.

Khan and her team analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2003 and 2008. NHANES is a long-running program that assesses the health and nutrition of adults and children in the U.S. The researchers focused on 3,833 adults aged 60 to 84, representing approximately 38 million older Americans.

After adjusting for other variables, the study found that socially isolated individuals were 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% more likely to have poorly controlled blood sugar levels than those who were not isolated.

“These findings underscore the importance of social connections for the wellbeing of older adults,” said lead researcher Samiya Khan, M.D., of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. “Physicians should recognize social isolation as a potential risk factor among elderly patients for both diabetes and high blood sugar.”

The findings highlight the need for healthcare providers and public health systems to address social isolation as a modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases like diabetes in the aging population.

Reference: https://www.endocrine.org/

How Your First Period Timing Affects Future Risk of Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Problems

A new study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, highlights the link between the age of a woman's first period and her long-term risk of developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and reproductive issues.

According to the Brazilian research, both early and late onset of menarche the first menstrual period can carry distinct health consequences. Women who experienced menarche before age 10 were found to have an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and pregnancy-related conditions such as pre-eclampsia. In contrast, those whose periods began after age 15 had a lower risk of obesity but were more likely to suffer from menstrual irregularities and certain cardiovascular conditions.

The study used data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil), one of the largest of its kind in a developing country. It evaluated health data from 7,623 women aged 35 to 74. The researchers categorized the age of menarche into three groups: early (under 10), typical (10-15), and late (over 15). Health outcomes were assessed through detailed interviews, physical measurements, lab tests, and ultrasound imaging.

“We now have evidence from a large Brazilian population that confirms how both early and late puberty can have different long-term health impacts,” said study author Flávia Rezende Tinano of the University of Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil. “While early menarche increases the risk for multiple metabolic and heart problems, late menarche may protect against obesity but increase certain heart and menstrual issues. Most women can remember when they had their first period, but they might not realize that it could signal future health risks.”

“Our findings suggest that knowing a woman’s age at her first period can help doctors identify those at higher risk for certain diseases,” Tinano said. “This information could guide more personalized screening and prevention efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of early health education for young girls and women, especially in developing countries.”

The study offers a new perspective on how a simple milestone in adolescence may provide valuable insights into future health planning.

Reference: https://www.endocrine.org/

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Teens May Impair Bone Development

Obesity and type 2 diabetes during adolescence can impair bone development, potentially increasing long-term risk for fractures and osteoporosis, according to a study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.

The teenage years are a crucial period for building strong, healthy bones that can last a lifetime. However, new research suggests that early-onset metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes may disrupt this essential process.

To explore this, researchers followed 48 adolescents, including 26 girls, with an average age of 15.5 years, over the course of a year. Among the participants, 27% had normal weight, 31% were overweight with normal blood sugar levels, and 42% had overweight with impaired blood sugar regulation, including prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Researchers assessed participants’ body fat, physical fitness, blood sugar, and insulin levels. They also evaluated bone strength and structure in the lower leg (tibia) and forearm (radius) using high-resolution imaging techniques.

The study revealed that teenagers with obesity and especially those with type 2 diabetes experienced significantly less improvement in bone strength and quality over time compared to their normal-weight peers. This deficit was observed in both leg and arm bones. Additionally, elevated insulin levels, indicative of insulin resistance, were associated with reduced bone development. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, often preceding type 2 diabetes.

“Obesity and early type 2 diabetes in adolescence don’t just affect weight or blood sugar they can quietly interfere with bone development during the most critical years for building lifelong bone strength,” said lead researcher Fida Bacha, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “That means teens with these health issues may face a greater risk of fractures and osteoporosis as they get older.”

These findings highlight the need for early prevention and monitoring strategies to support both metabolic and bone health in adolescents.

Reference: https://www.endocrine.org/