Older adults’ physical and mental health can be closely linked to how well their bodies regulate blood sugar. This is why it’s essential to maintain healthy glucose levels in the blood, especially as people age and face increased diabetes or other medical problems that could worsen without proper diet and lifestyle habits.
Fortunately, a new study has found that living with a spouse may help seniors stay on track when it comes to managing their blood sugar—so if you’re looking for one more reason why relationships matter, this might be just the thing you’re looking for!
The study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care analyzed data from 2004 to 2013 from more than 3,000 people in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a sample of adults in England ages 50-89 and their partners. All participants had not been diagnosed with diabetes but were monitored for over a decade, and their partnership status was recorded.
Researchers recorded an average 0.2% decrease in HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar concentrations over three months when participants entered into a domestic partnership or marriage. It was also found that when a relationship ended, there was a 0.2% increase in HbA1c.
Although these changes may seem insignificant, previous research has suggested that a decrease of 0.2% in the average HbA1c value would decrease excess mortality by 25%.
The findings were adjusted for factors that could affect results, such as whether participants were retired, had depression, changes in body mass, or stress.
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There is no solid information as to why a lack of marriage or domestic partnerships alters blood sugar readings, but some researchers believe it may be linked to loneliness, isolation, and limited social support.
Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential for overall health and well-being and can help to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
To ensure healthy blood sugar levels, it is recommended to stick to a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and eat regularly throughout the day in small portions. Regular physical activity and avoiding sugary snacks also help keep blood sugar levels under control. Overall, creating a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food choices and regular exercise can go a long way toward maintaining healthy blood sugar levels throughout our lives.
Healthy Blood Sugar Support can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels using several ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies. The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood-sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
