According to studies, married people have a better quality of life and are less likely to develop certain health issues such as heart disease or depression.
In 2023, a new study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care showed that marriage has health benefits, especially in relation to blood glucose control.
Blood Sugar Control and Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can cause a variety of health problems including kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage and blindness.
Maintaining a good blood sugar level is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes.
This usually involves making changes to your diet and increasing your physical activity. You may also need to take medication or closely monitor your blood sugar level.
Marriage and Blood Sugar Control
A study based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing found that marriage was associated with lower levels of hemoglobin-A1c.
Hemoglobin (HbA1c), is a measure for the average blood sugar level over the last two to three month. It is the best indicator to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Simple blood tests measure the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. The HbA1c level is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the last few months.
The HbA1c level is expressed as a percent, and levels higher than 6.5% are considered to be indicative of diabetes.
Why Does Marriage Help Blood Sugar?
Why might marriage be associated with better control of blood sugar?
There are several possible explanations for the situation, but it’s not clear.
- Social Support Increased: A marital partner can provide an individual with more social support. This increased support can positively impact their health and overall well-being. This support can help people better manage diabetes by offering emotional support, encouraging them to live a healthy life, and helping with the daily aspects of the condition.
- Improved Lifestyle Habits – Married partners can also encourage each other to adopt healthier lifestyle habits such as eating healthy and exercising regularly. These habits may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, reducing the risk for diabetes-related complications.
- Marriage can also lead to a greater sense of responsibility for health. If they don’t want to burden their spouse with the care of any complications, they may be more motivated.
- Married people may be able to better manage their stress. Stress has been shown in studies to negatively impact blood sugar levels. When you are stressed, a partner can offer comfort and support. This could reduce the negative impact on blood sugar levels.
The Role Of Marital Quality
The study concluded that marriage was associated with improved blood sugar control. However, the relationship between marital qualities (as measured by spousal stress and support) and blood sugar levels average was not significant.
According to this study, the mere fact that you are married is more important than the quality or the relationship for controlling blood sugar.
The Sweetness of Marriage
This study offers interesting insights on the health benefits of marriage to individuals with diabetes or those at risk.
The findings of this research provide yet another reason to believe that marriage has a positive impact on our health.
No matter if you’re married or planning to get married, having a partner has a positive impact on your health.