Abstract

Type 2 diabetes affects more than one-quarter of older adults in the United States. Many older adults manage type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the context of marriage, although few studies have acknowledged the effect the illness has on marital quality. The current study examined how the presence of T2D in later life relates to marital quality, and how positive health behaviors--diet, physical activity, and sleep--can moderate the relationship between T2D and marital quality. Data from the 1,200 married older adults in the Life and Family Legacies study were used to estimate moderation models using structural equation modeling in Mplus. Results indicated that T2D is associated with declines in marital quality. In addition, lower glycemic diets moderate the association such that healthy diets (higher intake of low glycemic indexed foods) buffer the impact on T2D on marital quality. These findings suggest T2D effects social relationships, and that positive health behaviors, especially healthy diets, can help buffer the negative association between T2D and marital quality. These results have implication for health care providers who can view patients' diabetes management in the context of their health behaviors and social relationships to best provide resources for management.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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