Although preventable, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes
worldwide [1, 3]. Evidence shows that at least 30 min of moderate exercise, along with
healthy eating habits, aids in preventing and managing diabetes and diabetes-related
outcomes [1, 3, 4]. These behaviors, in addition to other self-care activities such as home
blood glucose monitoring, taking medications as prescribed, obtaining preventive services,
and limiting alcohol intake and tobacco use, make living and adjusting to a life with diabetes
more manageable. Self-management of T2DM, however, requires the assistance of multiple
sources of support. In this article, we present the results of a systematic review of studies
examining the effect of social support onT2DM and diabetes-related clinical outcomes.