It is natural to share household chores, a bank account and even pick up a similar habit (or two) from someone you are living with for a long period of time, but recent medical studies have shown, that individuals who are married to people that already have Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk to also develop this disease.

The studies have found that, on average, husbands and wives of diabetic spouses had higher BMIs (body mass index), and their blood pressure was higher when compared to individuals that are married to non-diabetics.

Diabetes (type 2) is a very common form of this disease, and it occurs when the body becomes resistance to insulin, and fails to use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

We know that Type 2 diabetes can be hereditary, and is usually seen in individuals that follow a poor diet and have mostly a sedentary lifestyle. New research points to the fact that individuals that are not biologically-related and live together, seem to share similar lifestyles, and if you have a spouse that has diabetes, then the chances of you also getting the disease increases by over 25%.

“Social Clustering” has been a strong link in the health of society. We have all heard the saying “you are what you eat”, but there is also a strong link to who you spend a great deal of time with (whether that is good or bad).

Of course, further research is needed in this area, but if it is true, and that people that share the same living space, adopt each other’s eating habits, and engage in the same type of exercise (or lack of), then health may be directly linked to “social clustering”.

A word to doctors and health care professionals – if you diagnosis one individual with Type 2 diabetes, it is a good idea to also check out their spouse, and encourage them to become a powerful force to fight Type 2 diabetes, and to successfully manage this disease with good food choices and an active lifestyle.

It is recommended that both individuals support and motivate each other physically and mentally, to reduce the risk of both getting Type 2 diabetes. This can include adopting heart healthy eating habits that will keep blood sugar levels even, and also engaging in fun exercise activities together, such as riding bikes or playing tennis.