Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Impact of Social Worker Referrals on Diabetes and Loneliness

This study aims to find out if getting help from a social worker, sometimes called 'social prescribing', can make a real difference for older adults living with diabetes who also feel lonely. The main idea is to see if this support can help reduce feelings of loneliness and, at the same time, improve how well their blood sugar levels are managed. Researchers will compare a group who sees a social worker with another group who continues with their usual diabetes care. They want to understand if this approach can improve both people's social well-being and their diabetes control, helping them to live healthier, happier lives. It involves a simple survey and checking routine medical records.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Diabete Mellitus Loneliness

What is this study about?

This study explores a new way to support older adults who have diabetes and also experience loneliness. The idea is to see if getting help from a social worker can make a positive difference. We know that feeling lonely can affect your health, and for people with diabetes, it might even make it harder to manage their condition. This research is trying to figure out if connecting people with a social worker for support can help reduce these feelings of loneliness.

At the same time, we want to see if this kind of help can also improve a person's blood sugar control, which is really important for managing diabetes. The study will compare two groups: one group will have the chance to meet with a social worker, and the other group will continue with their usual care for their diabetes. This comparison will help us understand if a social worker's support can lead to better well-being and better diabetes management.

The social worker's role isn't just about offering advice; it's about understanding individual needs. They might help connect people to community groups, activities, or offer practical support to overcome things that make it hard to get out and about or connect with others. This study is important because it could show us a simple yet effective way to help people with diabetes live fuller, less lonely lives.

Key takeaways

This study explores how social worker support affects loneliness and diabetes control.
It involves older adults with diabetes who feel lonely.
Participation includes a short survey and reviewing existing blood sugar records.
You might meet a social worker or continue with your usual care.
The study lasts for six months and doesn't involve new medications.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult with diabetes and also experience feelings of loneliness. The study is particularly looking at older adults.

However, you won't be able to take part if you have certain health conditions like dementia or a serious current mental or physical illness. The researchers want to make sure the study is right for you and that you're well enough to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have diabetes?
Do you often feel lonely?
Do you NOT have dementia or a serious current mental/physical illness?
Are you an adult?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups – a bit like flipping a coin. One group will get to meet with a social worker, and the other will continue with their regular diabetes care.

Everyone in the study will be asked to fill out a very short, 3-question survey about loneliness when they start and then again after six months. The researchers will also look at your routine medical records to check your blood sugar levels (A1C) at the beginning and after six months. The total duration of your active participation, including these checks, will be six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as receiving support from a social worker if you're in that group, which could help reduce feelings of loneliness and potentially improve your diabetes management. However, there are no guaranteed benefits, and some people in the study may not experience any change. There are no significant physical risks involved beyond your usual medical appointments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is 'social prescribing'?

Social prescribing means getting support from a social worker or similar professional who can connect you with local activities, groups, or services to improve your well-being and tackle issues like loneliness.

How will I know if I'm lonely enough to join?

The study will use a short, simple questionnaire to understand if you experience loneliness and if you meet the study's criteria for it.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study is not about new medications. It's about seeing if social worker support can help, alongside your existing diabetes care.

How much of my time will this take?

You'll complete a short survey at the start and after six months. If you're in the social worker group, you'll have meetings with them, but the frequency will be tailored to your needs. The study itself lasts for six months.

What if I don't want to meet a social worker?

You might be assigned to a group that continues with usual care. If you are assigned to the social worker group but prefer not to participate, you can always withdraw from the study without affecting your medical care.