Social support networks and self-care in older women with diabetes: a social work and gender perspective

Abstract

Population aging and the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in older adult’s present health and social challenges that require coordinated responses. In Panama, approximately 14% of the population over 15 years of age suffers from diabetes, with 35,000 new cases annually, older adults being the group with the highest incidence. Although literature demonstrates the influence of social support on glycemic control, the biomedical perspective predominates, omitting socio-familial characteristics. A narrative review with thematic content analysis was conducted, analyzing studies on diabetes in older adults, support networks, and self-care in Latin American contexts. It was found that between 60% and 80% of older adults with diabetes have deficits in their support networks, especially in the affective and social interaction dimensions. Distinguishing between nominal availability and effective functionality of support networks demonstrates that the presence of family members does not guarantee support for managing the disease. It is evident that gender is a significant determinant, as women often assume the role of caregivers, which frequently results in neglecting their own health and having more fragile support networks. Diabetes in older adults presents a challenge for social work intervention, requiring a socio-familial assessment focused on the functionality of support networks. Self-care necessitates interventions that strengthen relationships and activate community and institutional resources, making it essential to incorporate socio-familial assessment protocols into geriatric hospital care.