Dyadic Associations between Body Mass Index, Stress and Type 2 Diabetes Complications

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) can result in complications, including kidney problems or cardiovascular disease. Intrapersonal risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and stress have been associated with increased odds of developing T2DM complications. However, little is known about interpersonal risk factors. The present study aimed to test associations among partner's BMI, partner's stress and T2DM complications development among married couples in which one partner has diabetes and if negative marital quality moderates these associations. Data (n=274) came from the Health and Retirement Study. BMI, stress, diabetes status and complications were self-reported at baseline (2006). Complications were assessed every two years from 2008-2016. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Unadjusted and adjusted models revealed no associations among partner BMI, partner stress, and incident T2DM complications, p>0.05. Furthermore, marital quality did not moderate these associations, p>0.05. Future research should consider other interpersonal risk factors onto intrapersonal health outcomes.