Marriage can be a wonderful experience and, as it turns out, it may provide more than the traditional benefits for diabetics. New research suggests that married diabetics are less likely to be overweight than those who are not married and suffer from the condition. More specifically, the research finds that it affects men who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

The study, conducted by Japanese-native, Dr. Yoshinobu Kondo, examined the medical records of 270 patients with type 2 diabetes from 2010 to 2016. The study included 180 married patients (109 men, 71 women) who were living with their spouses, and 90 single patients (46 men and 44 women).

The married participants were found to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than the single participants. The index is a measurement of body mass based on height and weight. In addition, married people had lower levels of HbA1c, a level used to measure blood sugar control.

Married individuals were also found to have lower rates of metabolic syndrome. And, when we look at the results in greater details, this varies by each gender. Diabetic men who lived with their spouses were less likely to be afflicted with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of factors including high blood pressure and high blood sugar that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

However, no correlation was found between female diabetics, metabolic syndrome, and marriage.

The study statistics were adjusted to compensate for factors such as age and gender. After doing this, they found that married individuals are 50% likely to become overweight.

These findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetics. But, it’s important to note that they are only preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

While this news may be beneficial to some, these findings don’t apply to everyone. However, Peer Health is applicable to all chronic illness sufferers. With Peer Health you can find real solutions and quick relief while connecting with healthcare peers. Find your community of healthcare peers and join us today.

^{http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20160916/marriage-may-help-diabetics-keep-weight-off}