Want to Avoid High Blood Sugar as You Age? Stay Married
A healthy blood sugar level can help you avoid type 2 diabetes as you age. If you're married, you can thank your spouse for making that a little bit easier.


Ellen B. Kennedy
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, vision impairment, tooth and gum infections, and bone and joint problems.
Keeping your blood sugar within the normal range can help you avoid these dangerous issues and stay healthy, especially as you age. Good health is an underpinning of a happy retirement, so it's worth keeping track of your blood sugar levels.
While most people know that eating a balanced diet and staying fit can help prevent type 2 diabetes, recent research has uncovered a surprising factor that could help keep your blood sugar at a safe level: your marital status.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What is high blood sugar?
The research tracked blood sugar levels as measured by the A1C test, a blood test often performed as part of an annual physical or regularly tracked for people with higher levels. This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two or three months. You may see this test listed on your lab report under different names, such as HbA1c. You may have no symptoms with prediabetes, which is why it's so important to get the test.
Here's how to interpret your results according to the Mayo Clinic.
A1C Result | Meaning |
---|---|
Below 5.7% | Healthy |
5.7% to 6.4% | Prediabetes |
6.5% or higher on two separate tests | Diabetes |
Marriage can have a surprising effect on blood sugar levels
According to recent research, being married is associated with lower blood sugar levels among adults who did not have pre-existing diabetes.
The researchers reviewed the blood sugar levels of adults aged 50 to 89 and found lower HbA1c (A1C) values for both male and female adults who were married and living together.
Specifically, marital relationships caused a 0.21% decrease in HbA1c level among those cohabiting with a spouse. This is significant, as past research has demonstrated that a 0.25% decline in the population average HbA1c value could result in a 25% decrease in excess mortality.
What was surprising, however, is that neither marital support nor marital strain had any specific impact on blood sugar levels. In other words, the researchers concluded that "marital relationships, regardless of the quality of the relationship, are associated with lower HbA1c values for male and female adults aged over 50 years."
Marriage can play a key role in health
This study was not the first showing that married people tend to have better health outcomes. In fact:
- Research has demonstrated that married men and women tend to live longer, with total life expectancy 2.2 years longer for married men 65 and over, and 1.5 years longer for married women within this age range.
- Married patients have better survival rates after being diagnosed with heart disease or having a previous heart attack
- Married couples are significantly more likely than their unmarried peers to survive cancer.
However, many of the studies linking marriage to better outcomes have focused on either healthy marriages or did not address the issue of whether the marriage was a happy one or not.
Separate research into the impact of marriage quality on well-being has revealed that those who remain in an unhappy marriage tend to have worse overall health, lower happiness ratings, lower self-esteem, lower life satisfaction levels, and elevated levels of psychological distress compared with those whose unions are happier.
Still, when it comes to blood sugar, the quality of the marriage doesn't appear to matter — the simple fact is that cohabiting couplehood makes the difference, according to the research. Because of this effect, those who lose a spouse through divorce or death may need added support to maintain healthy glycemic levels.
The study authors also believe that promoting marriage, or at least cohabitating couplehood, among older Americans is worth doing. The study explains: "Identifying and addressing barriers that impede the formation of romantic partnerships for older adults that wish to pursue these types of relationships may have subsequent benefits for glycemic levels in this population at risk for type 2 diabetes.
As bullish as the study is on marriage for better blood sugar health, it does not advocate staying in an unhappy marriage to avoid diabetes. The researchers did not consider, for example, whether the negative cardiovascular effects of an unhappy marriage negated any positive blood sugar improvements.
Maintaining healthy glycemic levels
Of course, it's possible to maintain healthy blood sugar levels even when you're not married.
Best practices include eating whole fruits and vegetables, using unprocessed grains when possible and avoiding added or concentrated sugars. Although some people may be genetically disposed to developing type 2 diabetes, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can also help prevent it.
Whether married or not, knowing your A1C level and the healthy habits listed above can help you maintain optimum health and avoid the many medical conditions that become more likely to develop with advancing age.
Read More
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Christy Bieber is an experienced personal finance and legal writer who has been writing since 2008. She has been published by Forbes, CNN, WSJ Buyside, Motley Fool, and many other online sites. She has a JD from UCLA and a degree in English, Media, and Communications from the University of Rochester.
- Ellen B. KennedyRetirement Editor, Kiplinger.com
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
Here's how to retire in Finland as a US retiree. It's ideal for those who value natural beauty, low crime and good healthcare.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
You're Close to Retirement and Cashed Out: How Do You Get Back In?
If you've been scared into an all-cash position, it's wise to consider reinvesting your money in the markets. Here's how a financial planner recommends you can get back in the saddle.
-
Should You Ditch Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Most People Do
If you want to switch your Medicare Advantage plan or enroll in original Medicare, you're not alone. Here's when it's a good idea and how to go about it.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement Savings
Thinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What Happens
Combining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.
-
I'm 60 With a $4.2 Million Nest Egg. Can I Stop Saving and Start Spending Until I Retire at 65?
Should I continue contributing to my 401(k) or treat myself now?
-
These Jobs Reduce Your Alzheimer's Risk: How You Can Benefit
Two jobs are linked to a lower Alzheimer's risk. Even if you do a different kind of work or are retired, these jobs show how to keep your mind sharp.
-
My Professional Advice: When It Comes to Money, You Do You
This is how embracing the 'letting others be' and 'learning to surrender' mindsets can improve your relationship with money.