Bachelors, Divorcees, and Widowers: Does Marriage Protect Men from Type 2 Diabetes?

Date Published: 
September 2014
Researcher(s): 
Cornelis, MC, Chiuve, SE, Glymour, MM, Chang, SC, Tchetgen, EJT, Liang, L, Koenen, KC, Rimm, EB, Kawachi, I, and Kubzansky, LD
Abstract: 

Researchers examined the role of marital status in the development of type 2 diabetes. Using prospective data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, researchers found that unmarried men (especially widowers) had an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes, when compared to married men (adjusting for other factors). This increased risk may be partially mediated by unfavorable changes in lifestyle, diet, and adiposity.

Health Assets: 
Body Mass Index, Healthy Lifestyles, Marital Status, Metabolic Function
Health Conditions: 
Blood Glucose Levels (hemoglobin A1c) for Those with Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Disease, Life Outcomes, Obesity
Positive Health Type: 
Biological, Functional
RWJF Grant-Funded: 
Yes