In the complex tapestry of diabetes health, we often focus on the single thread of the individual, yet clinical evidence increasingly reveals that the surrounding web of social relationships dictates the strength of the entire fabric. In this next live CME, we will explore how the structural & functional aspects of a patient’s life are as critical to glycaemic outcomes as their pharmacological regimen.
We will examine the profound impact of social connectivity, where the structural reality of living alone & the functional lack of social support are now clearly associated with an increased risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In men particularly, living alone can increase diabetes risk by up to 1.66-fold, a magnitude comparable to traditional cardiovascular risk factors like obesity or hypertension.
We will shift our focus to the micro-network of marriage and partnership. Research highlights a significant ‘spousal concordance’ in cardiometabolic risk; if one partner has diabetes, the other faces a 72% higher risk. Philosophically, this challenges our individualistic medical model, suggesting that healing is a communal act. When one partner adopts a healthier lifestyle such as quitting smoking or increasing activity, the other is significantly more likely to follow, creating a powerful ripple effect of behavioural change.
Host
Dr Stan Landau
CDE Academy Journal Club Host
Guest Expert
Professor Elmien Lesch, PhD
Clinical Psychologist | Certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer | Stellenbosch University
Speaker Bio
Professor Elmien Lesch is a Clinical Psychologist, researcher, educator and certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist whose work focuses on the role of close relationships in psychological and physical wellbeing.
Professor Elmien Lesch holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Free State and a PhD in Psychology from Stellenbosch University.
She has a specific interest in close relationships, including both romantic and family relationships. In line with this focus, she has pursued advanced training in an evidence-based, relationship-focused therapy model and is now a certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer.
Professor Lesch also maintains a small psychotherapy practice focused on relationship therapy and frequently presents training events in Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is an NRF C-rated researcher and coordinated the MA Clinical Psychology Programme from 2016 to 2023.
