The social networks of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) can play a significant role, both positive and negative, in their diabetes self-care. Health-related social support and social control have been identified as two of the key pathways accounting for the ways in which social networks influence self-management and coping. However, few studies have examined these pathways within a wider social network (e.g. friends, work colleagues).

We aimed to explore how adequately the social support and social control frameworks “fit” with the wider social network. We conducted an interview study with 25 adults with T2DM (12 (48%) women; mean age: 59±14 years; mean diabetes duration: 7±7 years). Interviews averaged 55 minutes and were audio-recorded. Transcriptions were imported into NVivo 10 for deductive thematic analysis.

Instrumental and emotional social support, and positive and negative social control were identified themes. Positive social control referred to control actions (e.g. being told not to eat certain foods) being perceived as helpful by the person with T2DM, whereas negative social control involved such actions being regarded as unhelpful.  Most interviewees reported feeling supported by their social network. However, one third interpreted their social networks’ control actions as intrusive and critical. In addition to these four key domains, non-involvement and unintentional undermining were identified as new themes.

Health-related social control and social support interactions were perceived both positively and negatively by participants. While these models fit the data to an extent, new themes also emerged. In this study, the close social network was referenced more than the wider social network, indicating that participants may not discuss their T2DM as much with those outside the family. Further research is needed to understand differences in the impact of the close and wider social networks on diabetes self-care.