Why even an unhappy marriage is good for your health trends now
An unhappy marriage is better for your health than being single or divorced, a study suggests.
People who live with a spouse are less likely to have high blood sugar levels which can lead to type 2 diabetes — regardless of how harmonious or acrimonious their relationship is, according to research.
Experts believe couples influence each other's behaviour – such as diet – as well as tending to have higher shared income, which can also lead to healthier eating.
Previous research has found marriage can lead to a host of health benefits including a longer life, fewer strokes and heart attacks, lower risk of depression and healthier eating than those who are single.
But researchers wanted to hone in on how being in a long-term relationship impacted on blood sugar levels, which can be the result of factors including what we eat, hormones and stress.
People who live with a spouse are less likely to have high blood sugar levels which can lead to type 2 diabetes — regardless of how harmonious or acrimonious their relationship is, according to research
They analysed data on more than 3,300 adults, aged 50 to 89, from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
People were asked if they had a husband, wife, or partner with whom they lived, with 76 per cent of participants found to be married or cohabiting.
They were also asked questions to examine the level of strain and support within the relationship.
