title: Social support and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of observational studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aim to systematically review observational studies examining the association between social support and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Sociological Abstracts to July 2012 for observational studies investigating the association between structural or functional aspects of social support (social networks, community ties, marital status, family support, perceived, actual, emotional or instrumental social support) and glycemic control (HbA1c).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From electronic and reference searches, 29 studies were eligible. Twenty different assessments of social support were used. Family support and composite measures of support were most frequently associated with reduced HbA1c. There was no evidence for a beneficial effect of other support measures on HbA1c.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found marked variation in population, setting, measurement of social support and definition of outcome, limiting the methodological validity of research. Social support may be important in the management of type 2 diabetes, the need for consensus and standardization of measures is highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of informal support should be explored in routine diabetes care.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK. Electronic address: rosanna.stopford@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stopford
authors.forename: Kirsty
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Winkley
authors.forename: Khalida
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ismail
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin
keywords: HbA1c; Social support; Systematic review; Type 2 diabetes mellitus