Can marriage and the quality of the relationship with one’s spouse influence blood sugar levels and therefore diabetes? This is the question that British researchers recently tried to answer in a study conducted in the elderly. Results.
diabetes and marriage
Despite some misconceptions, marriage has long been recognized as beneficial to health, a subject that has been the subject of numerous studies. For the elderly, the presence of a spouse and therefore of conjugal relations would be even more favorable for their health. In this context, British researchers were interested in the impact on glycemic balance. They used data from a longitudinal study of aging, involving 3,335 adults aged 50 to 89, without previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
These participants were monitored several times, in 2004-2005, in 2008-2009 and then in 2012-2013. Several criteria were taken into account:
- The levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a marker of glycemic balance over the last 3 months;
- The marital status and its possible changes (divorce, new partner);
- The nature of marital relationships (social support or social tension).
Lower glycated hemoglobin for people in relationships
The results collected revealed that mean glycated hemoglobin values were reduced by 0.21% in married subjects, compared to unmarried subjects. This decrease in HbA1c was also observed in cases of free union. On the other hand, the glycemia marker was increased in the same proportions in the event of separation or divorce.
On the other hand, marital quality did not appear to affect glycated hemoglobin. This study highlights an improvement in glycemic control in subjects over 50, in a couple, regardless of the nature and quality of the marital relationship (support or, on the contrary, tension). This decrease of 0.21%, which was verified even in subjects with prediabetes, is significant enough to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and therefore of all of these complications.
A positive effect of marriage on blood sugar, even when he is not happy!
How to explain such a link between marriage and glycated hemoglobin? The authors of the study mention in particular the stress of being alone in singles, counterbalanced for people in couple by a sharing of expenses, problems or daily constraints. Moreover, it seems easier to pay attention to their diet when another person shares meals. Going shopping, cooking, and eating properly seems easier in pairs than alone.
This result is consistent with previous studies that established a link between type 2 diabetes and:
- Lack of social support;
- loneliness;
- Isolation.
On the other hand, it is more surprising to note that the tension within the couple, and therefore necessarily a source of stress, maintains this positive effect of marriage on glycated hemoglobin. Additional studies with blood sugar monitoring, younger participants and the consideration of sexual orientation could help to learn more about the link between marriage and diabetes.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
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