Practice implications of what couples tell us about type 2 diabetes management

Diabetes is a significant and growing chronic health problem in the United States. Substantial research has documented the consistently strong link between social relationships and health. With respect to diabetes, social relationships, and particularly marriage or cohabitation, have been shown to mediate lifestyle and medical surveillance behaviors, glycemic control, and other health outcomes. Further exploration of the marital or cohabiting relationship may be especially relevant to clinicians and educators because the self-care regimen often involves spouses or significant others. With this in mind, the purpose of this study was to listen to and draw conclusions from what couples tell us about managing daily life with type 2 diabetes. Analyses revealed four core themes: educate yourselves, talk about the disease, work together, and be your own advocate. This qualitative study provided a unique perspective on couples' needs for care, which have important implications for the health community in acknowledging the spousal or cohabiting relationship in the management of diabetes.