The Association between Social Capital, Food Security, and Type 2 Diabetes Management

Abstract Background Given nutrition’s key role in treating diabetes, food insecurity may seriously affect the standard management of the disease. A patient’s social environment or community plays an important role in managing the disease. This study explores how food security and social capital are associated with the management of type 2 diabetes. Methods A cross-sectional telephone survey of 381 Israelis Jewish and Arab with type 2 diabetes was conducted. Data was collected on food security, social capital, disease management factors, and socioeconomic status. Moreover, medical records provided information about HbA1c, age, and disease diagnosis date for each respondent. Results Blood glucose balance (HbA1c ≤7mmol/mol) was associated with employment, while unemployed respondents had a better balance. Food security is correlated with health perception - the better the food security, the better the health perception. Food security is related to social and family support, as well as to neighborhood help and connections. The social capital index increases as food security increases. A higher disease management index score, as well as a higher trust index score, indicates a more balanced patient. In light of the fact that food security is associated with social aspects of health, it may act as a mediator between social capital and perceived health. Conclusions Social factors directly affect the balance of the disease. Subjective health and gender were associated with food security. Social capital and support are linked to subjective health reporting through food security, so this variable is a mediator. It can be concluded that social factors and food security play a role in subjective health assessment in diabetics. Diabetes management and balancing depend not only on behavioral factors but also on environmental and social factors. Key messages • Food security is a necessary factor in balancing blood glucose levels, as well as a mediator factor between social capital and perceived health among diabetics. • A balanced diabetes requires social support, such as a supportive social environment and must consider the individual’s character.