A Happy Marriage Improves Diabetes-Related Quality of Life

Marriage affects quality of life (QOL) for persons with diabetes, according to a report in Diabetes Care (July 2002). Researchers surveyed 78 insulin-treated adults at baseline and 2 years later. Two marital quality measures were found to be predictors of diabetes-related QOL and diabetes-related emotional distress at follow-up. Furthermore, people with better marital adjustment and greater perceived marital intimacy at baseline had greater satisfaction with their diabetes care regimen at follow-up. Marital relationship had no impact on QOL in general or on glycemic control.