Diabetes Support Project: Couples Intervention

Type 2 Diabetes

diabetes, relationship, social support, telemedicine

Research has shown that diabetes affects both the patient and family, and that support from family and partners helps diabetes patients manage their illness better. However, diabetes programs rarely involve the partner. The purpose of this study is to test an intervention that helps partners and patients who have type 2 diabetes better support each other. The intervention will be delivered over the telephone to reach more people. Our hypothesis is that an intervention that targets the couple has a greater effect on health and well-being of patients than one that targets the individual patient alone.

Diabetes is a serious illness that affects an estimated 7% of the US population, and is associated with life-threatening and disabling complications. Research has shown that diabetes affects both the patient and family, and that support from one's spouse has been found to be the most important source of support during illness episodes. Research clearly shows that marital interaction, i.e., how the support is given and received, impacts both marital quality and health functioning. Despite the acknowledged importance of social support, the vast majority of chronic illness interventions target the individual patient. Telephone counseling has been effectively used to enhance feasibility and target patients with many illnesses, and has many benefits including low cost, decreased subject burden, and the ability to reach a broader population. This study proposes a study of a telephone-administered behavior change that promotes couples communication and collaboration.

United States