Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) affects nearly 40 million Americans, with Black/African American men facing higher rates of diagnosis, complications, and mortality. Effective T2D management, including robust social support, is crucial for preventing severe complications and improving health outcomes. This study explored aspects of social networks associated with feelings of social support among Black/African American men.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional personal network design to survey 1,181 Black/African American men with T2D. Participants listed up to five people who give advice, provide practical support, and/or are confidants, resulting in networks between 1 and 15 members. Information on relationships, perception of social support, T2D status, and communication for T2D was collected. Multilevel modeling assessed factors related to perceived social support, controlling for mental health scores and demographics.

Results

A total of 6,639 network members were identified. Participants’ age was positively associated with greater perceived social support, while mental health scores were negatively associated. Network members with T2D and those providing multiple types of support were perceived as offering less support. Greater perceived support was linked to frequent T2D discussions, healthcare providers, kin, friends, and specific support types (e.g., practical). Larger network size was negatively related to perceived support.

Conclusions

Perceived social support was influenced by individual factors (age, mental health), dyadic factors (relationship, communication frequency), and network size. Focusing on specific social support mechanisms as opposed to multiple simultaneously could yield greater perceptions of social support for Black/African American men with T2D.