This site is intended for UK healthcare professionals
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
News

T2DM: more friends and less family may improve outcomes

A recent study published in the journal, Diabetes Care, reports association between social network characteristics and macro- and microvascular type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications. Findings highlight importance of social support and network in patients with T2DM.

Researchers used data from Maastricht Study, an observational, population-based cohort study. Social network characteristics in 797 participants (mean age, 62.7±7.7 years) with T2DM were assessed using a name generator questionnaire. A history of cardiovascular disease and the presence of impaired vibratory sense and/or retinopathy and/or albuminuria defined macro- and microvascular complications, respectively.

A smaller network size was associated with 6% higher odds of macrovascular complication in both men and women, and 15% (P≤.01) higher odds of microvascular complications in women. Every 10% additional network of family member increased risk for macrovascular complication by 8% whereas every 10% drop in number of friends increased risk by 12% (P≤.05). Less informational and emotional support and less practical support for jobs were associated with higher odds of macrovascular and microvascular complications (P for all ≤.05). Living alone was associated with 53% higher odds of microvascular complications in men (P≤.05). These associations attenuated after additional adjustments for glycaemic control, QoL and cardiovascular risk factors.

Authors urge that healthcare professionals should be aware of relation between social networks and T2DM outcomes. Authors comment: “Knowledge of a patient’s network and social support may render treatment strategies and lifestyle interventions more effective when tailored to the specific needs and network characteristics of a patient with diabetic complications.”


References


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE