Association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and psychosocial burdens in older adults in Germany: findings from the longitudinal Gesundheit 65+ study
Authors' conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher odds of different psychosocial challenges in older adults. These findings emphasize the need for integrated care models that routinely screen for and manage these conditions in persons with diabetes.
Study context
- Population
- Adults aged 65 and older in Germany, Gesundheit 65+ study, June 2021–April 202312,514 observations
- Participants
- 3,547 adults
- Exposure
- T2D vs no T2D
- Outcome
- Six psychosocial burdens: depressive symptoms, loneliness, low energy, low life satisfaction, low satisfaction with activity level, low perceived social support
Methodological detailsbaseline survey and three follow-up waves, adjusted for sex, age, education, physical activity, obesity, cardiovascular comorbidities and cancer
- Baseline survey and three follow-up waves
- Adjusted for sex, age, education, physical activity, obesity, cardiovascular comorbidities and cancer
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Psychosocial burdens (fully adjusted model)
T2D vs No T2DOdds ratio (95% CI)
Depressive symptoms
1.60(1.18–2.17)
Low energy
1.37(1.06–1.77)
Low/middle life satisfaction
1.41(1.15–1.73)
Loneliness
1.31(1.03–1.66)
Neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction with activity level
1.38(1.11–1.72)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- Sensitivity analysis confirmed the results
- No significant interactions for sex, age group, or study wave
Original publication
Association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and psychosocial burdens in older adults in Germany: findings from the longitudinal Gesundheit 65+ study. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. Published 7 May 2026. doi:10.
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